Library Lion

There are no rules about lions in libraries and the librarian, Miss Merrieweather, ‘was very particular about rule breaking’. As the lion, who visits her library, breaks no rules he is allowed to stay and help with library routines such as dusting the shelves with his tail. One day the lion is forced to roar to gain attention and subsequently leaves the library feeling ashamed. All ends happily when the lion returns to the library and understands that ‘sometimes there was a good reason to break the rules’. This is a gentle old-fashioned story about loneliness, acceptance and friendship. It is beautifully designed and illustrated, despite the stereotypical if affectionate images of the library staff – Miss Merrieweather’s bun and glasses, Mr McBee’s bowtie – but the library itself is warm, modern and welcoming. The illustrations are full of movement and the lion’s face is always expressive. The illustration of the exiled, dejected (and wet) lion staring into the library is especially memorable and poignant. A book to read aloud to junior primary school classes.