How to be a lion / Ed Vere.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

From the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Max the Brave comes an inspiring and adorable picture book about a pair of unlikely friends who face down a pack of bullies.

In this timely and charming story about the importance of being true to yourself, mindfulness, and standing by your friends, we meet Leonard, a lion, and his best friend Marianne, a . . . duck.

Leonard and Marianne have a happy life together--talking, playing, writing poems, and making wishes, But one day, a pack of bullies questions whether it's right for a lion and a duck to be pals. Leonard soon learns there are many ways to be a lion, and many ways to be a friend, and that sometimes finding just the right words can change the world . . .

This sweet, funny, thoughtful, and much-needed story will open up readers' eyes to the importance of being who they are and not backing down to hurtful criticism. It's an empowering tale about connecting with others and choosing kindness over bullying, and shows children how angry and provocative words can be overcome by empathy and inner courage.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Some people think there's only one way to be a lion, but Leonard is different. A gentle, Ferdinand-like soul, he's likely to be found on his "thinking hill," pondering and making poems. Lions usually devour ducks, but when Leonard meets web-footed Marianne, he asks for help with a poem he's writing, and the two become close friends, taking long walks and looking at the stars. When bullying lions try to intimidate Leonard into behaving the way other lions do ("Not chomping a duck? You've gone too far!"), Leonard and Marianne collaborate on a declaration in verse: "If there must be a must,/ then this we must try.../ Why don't you, be you.../ And I, will be I." The story's confiding, narrative voice draws readers in close, while bold, scrabbly ink lines by British author-illustrator Vere (the Max picture books) add life and giggles to Leonard and Marianne's friendship. Vere's fable makes a watertight-and charming-case for ignoring the pressures of conformity. Ages 4-8. Agent: Barry Goldblatt Literary. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 3-Leonard is a lion like no other. Everyone thinks he should be a fierce and accomplished hunter. Instead, Leonard is gentle with a gift for putting words together in beautiful and creative ways. Leonard's friendship with Marianne, a poetic duck, surprises and infuriates many. Will Leonard and Marianne be able to withstand the judgment of others and grow their unique and lasting bond of friendship? This is a book that challenges children's assumptions and demonstrates that situations look different from different perspectives. It champions staying true to oneself and sticking to one's principles and by one's friends regardless of what others think. The book also beautifully highlights the power and beauty of the written and spoken word. The thick black outlines and blocks of reds, yellows, and oranges against stark black-and-white backgrounds represent the boldness in both text and message. VERDICT Children will feel empowered after reading such a deliberate story of unyielding strength and self-awareness. Thoughtful and provocative words to live by.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

After lion Leonard meets duck Marianne, they form an unlikely friendship. When Leonard is taunted by his fellow lions for not devouring Marianne ("you must be fierce!"), he defends himself--with a homespun poem. The book is acutely humane if a bit top-heavy with omniscient narration that spells out Vere's worthy be-yourself message. Placid portraits show the odd couple at play and deep in conversation. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

A thoughtful lion decides whether he can be something other than fierce in this picture book.Leonard is a lion, and while he is aware that the general expectation of lions is to be fierce, he opts not to live up to it. Instead he notices "the grass under his paws," thinks up poems, and befriends Marianne, a duck. The other lions, stuck on the idea of fierceness, tell Leonard that they've heard he's gentle and makes up poems, but befriending a duck instead of "chomping" her is going "too far!" Leonard and Marianne wander off to their "thinking hill" to mull this over, and they come up with a poem to share with the "fierce" lions. The nub of the poem (which is simple, profound, and utterly lacking in schmaltz) is, "why don't you, be you / and I, will be I." Beyond this universal sentiment, however, lies a timelier one. Readers will see an alternative male role model in Leonard: a strong-looking lion who thinks for himself, choosing creativity and friendship over superficial toughness. Author/illustrator Vere's illustrations are sturdy in their rough black outlines and large swaths of muted color, but they're evocative, too, in Leonard's expressiveness and the predominantly orange/saffron palette that conjures the atmosphere of an African savanna.Positive role models showing boys how to be a whole person are few and far between these days. This marvelous book triumphs in that essential job. (Picture book. 2-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.