The Happy Lion Roars
The Happy Lion Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In this delightful sequel to 'The Happy Lion', the main character, a lion living in a French town zoo, finds himself lonely and in search of a companion. His roar echoes through the town, leading to a series of adventures and ultimately to the arrival of a lioness, with whom he finds happiness and companionship. When a beautiful lioness comes to town with a visiting circus, the Happy Lion pays her a visit and it is love at first sight! The Happy Lion finds a way to release her and hide her in his enclosure. When she is discovered he won't let anyone separate them, and his friend Francois convinces the mayor to let the lioness stay. Originally published in 1957, The Happy Lion Roars is a timeless classic that reveals how a child's loneliness is cured when he spots a beautiful lioness at the local circus. Illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Happy Lion
Miss Fifi
Discussion points
Why do you think the Happy Lion was feeling lonely in the zoo?
How did the lion’s feelings change when he met the new lioness? Can you describe what friendship means to you?
What would you do if you saw a friend feeling sad or lonely?
How do the other animals in the zoo react to the Happy Lion's situation? What does this tell us about empathy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the Happy Lion, especially when his mood changes, to help your child understand the nuances of feelings.
Pause after key moments in the story, such as when the lioness arrives, to ask your child how they predict the story will progress or how a character might be feeling.
Discuss the importance of compassion and friendship after reading, relating personal experiences or observations your child might have had.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book or a scene where the Happy Lion felt a strong emotion. Discuss what this scene means to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: In 'The Happy Lion Roars', the lion feels lonely and seeks companionship, demonstrating the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture relationships and value the friendships they have in school or at playgroups.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The lion experiences changes when a new lioness arrives, showing adaptability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change can be positive and learning to adapt is a vital life skill.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: The lion in the story expresses his feelings of loneliness clearly, which ultimately leads to his happiness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their own emotions effectively, learning that it is okay to share how they feel with others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The lion actively seeks a solution to his loneliness, highlighting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: It can inspire children to think creatively and solve problems they face in everyday situations.