The Lion and the Bird
Marianne Dubuc
Translated from the French by Claudia Z. Bedrick
 
Dubuc’s gentle, stylized lion is a farmer wearing overalls in this almost wordless tale of friendship and patience. During bird migration time, the lion finds a wounded bird, caring for its wing and taking it home to recuperate. Over the winter, they become firm friends in the lion’s cozy house. Snow falls; they sled and go ice fishing. Spring arrives with a spray of pink buds and, with it, the other birds. The lion understands as his friend flies away--“Sometimes life is like that.” Readers watch the seasons pass, while the lonely lion starts a garden and grows round red tomatoes. He fishes, reads, and suddenly, the leaves turn golden.  Maybe . . . .  Yes, his friend returns! Together, they’ll stay warm all winter. Dubuc’s spare, beautiful illustrations will help young readers understand the power of friendship and that patience is sometimes rewarded. It’s a lovely way to let go of March.
 
2014, Ages 4 to 8

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.

​There’s a Lion in My Cornflakes
Michelle Robinson
Illustrations by Jim Field
 
March comes in like a lion--so, here come the lions! Read a madcap British story of two brothers, Dan and Eric, who flood their house with cornflakes getting enough coupons to send away for a free lion. While their mother insists they will all eat cornflakes till they’re gone, the boys realize everyone else is sending, too. Kids will love the scene in the park with lions doing everything from playing soccer to crunching cones from an overturned Mr. Whippy van. (Some lions are better behaved than others.) When it’s finally the brothers’ turn, the company’s run out of lions. Disasters follow, as they receive a grumpy grizzly bear, a bathroom-monopolizing crocodile, and a hip gorilla who mangles Dad’s car. What next? Could they be considering a free tiger? Eric’s neat, deadpan narration and Field’s witty digital illustrations with finely-drawn details make this a hilarious way to welcome turbulent March.
 
2015, Ages 4 to 8

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.