PPBF: When Lions Roar

Title: When Lions Roar
Author/Illustrator: Robie H. Harris/ Chris Raschka
Publisher/Date: Orchard Books/2013
Genre/Audience: fiction/Ages 3-5
Themes: noise, fear, coping strategies

Opening: "When lions roar! When monkeys screech!"

Synopsis: (from School Library Journal)
Loud, unexpected and upsetting noises can send a child into a tailspin. Shrill sirens, earsplitting animal sounds at the zoo, a rumbling thunderstorm, and angry parents are a few of the sounds that distress this small boy as he goes through his day. When he's fearful, he takes control of his emotions, turns off “the scary,” and creates a haven for himself. He simply sits down, shuts his eyes, gathers his courage, and confronts his fear: “‘Go away,' I say. ‘Scary! Go away.'”  Brightly colored, deceptively simple crayon and watercolor illustrations in red, orange, green, blue, and brown showcase the character and the main noisemakers on a crisp white background. Use this title along with Florence Parry Heide's Some Things Are Scary (Candlewick, 2000) to discuss fear and methods to challenge it. Scary happens, you deal with it, and then you move on: a good lesson.–Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

Why I Love This Book: 
Simple text, colorful and emotive illustrations, and a straightforward approach to handling fear make this a winner.

Resources:
A Parent Resource for Understanding Children's Fears

15 Books to Help Kids Overcome Their Fears

Chris Raschka bio

Craving more Perfect Picture Books? Author Susanna Leonard Hill compiles weekly book reviews from bloggers at www.susannahill.blogspot.com. Visit Fridays or click the Perfect Picture Books tab at her website for a subject listing.