Lit Mama: Lion on the Loose

July 10, 2008

Lion on the Loose

The Happy Lion (50th anniversary edition), by Louise Fatio, illus. Roger Duvoisin. 40 pp. Knopf, 2004. $14.95.

~ ~ ~

What would happen if a lion escaped from the zoo? Based on a true story of a well-fed lion that went on a walkabout and didn’t harm anyone, husband and wife picture book creators Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin spun the timeless tale of the Happy Lion more than fifty years ago.

Playing to children’s natural love of the absurd, the story is told from the lion’s point of view. He is a civilized, loving lion who, when the zookeeper inadvertently leaves the door to the lion house open, responds with “I don’t like that, anyone might walk in.”

On most days, a few regulars come to the zoo to say Bon jour to him. So, when his gate is opened, he decides to go visit them. Much to his surprise, when he encounters them outside the zoo, they are terrified. Luckily, Francois, the keeper’s son, knows the lion’s true nature and, before the fire department can take over, calmly leads him back to his house.

Pen and ink illustrations and muted colors evoke a simpler era in a small French city. Have no fear — the only French needed is Bon jour. (French language editions are available, though.)

~ ~ ~

If you like his book, you might also like: The Happy Lion Roars (reissued, 2006, Knopf); The Happy Lion in Africa, The Happy Lion’s Rabbits and The Happy Lion’s Treasure; Petunia, Veronica, both written and illustrated by Roger Duvoisin; Crictor by Tomi Ungerer; The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr.

You can find the ones that haven't been reissued used through Powell's and Alibris.

Posted at 07:13 PM in Ages 3 to 5, Animal Stories, Classics, Picture Books | Permalink