To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

How to Be a Lion Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 520 ratings

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Nominated for the 2019 Kate Greenaway Medal and the 2019 Carnegie Medal

A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year

An American Booksellers Association E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Book

An NPR Best Books of 2018 selection

A New York Public Library Best Books of 2018 selection

★ "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."—
Kirkus, starred review

"Children will feel empowered after reading such a deliberate story of unyielding strength and self-awareness. Thoughtful and provocative words to live by."—
School Library Journal

"A gentle, Ferdinand-like soul. . . . Vere's fable makes a watertight—and charming—case for ignoring the pressures of conformity."—
Publishers Weekly

"The spirit of Ferdinand the Bull is a alive and well in How to Be a Lion."—NPR

"Gently reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh"—BookTrust

About the Author

ED VERE is the author and illustrator of numerous picture books, including How to Be a Lion and the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Max the Brave. He lives in London, England. Learn more about Ed's work at edvere.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @ed_vere.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0776JGJGY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday Books for Young Readers (June 26, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 26, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 53837 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 520 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Ed Vere
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Ed Vere is an award winning and New York Times bestselling writer & illustrator of picture books.

'Max the Brave' is a New York Times bestseller and was named one of The Sunday Times's '100 Modern Children's Classics'. It was also long listed for the Kate Greenaway medal and is published in over 15 languages. It is followed by 'Max at Night' and 'Max & Bird'. Published in the US by Sourcebooks and Puffin in the UK.

His latest book, Grumpy Frog, was published in the UK in 2017 and was nominated for the Sainsbury's children's book award.

'The Getaway', his first book, won the Highland Children's Book Award in 2007. The following year, 'Banana' was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway prize. In 2009 'Mr Big' was Booktrust’s official Booktime book, reaching 750,000 British schoolchildren – the largest single print run for a picture book! In the same year, pop-up book 'Chick' won the Booktrust Early Years Award for best baby book.

'Bedtime for Monsters' was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2011 and the next year Ed had the honour of being one of the four Roald Dahl Funny Prize judges, along with Michael Rosen.

Ed also works on many projects related to his books . . . from speaking at festivals from Rio to Mexico to Kerala, to curating festival experiences in the UK, to live drawing onstage at The Barbican Centre alongside the Britten Sinfonia, and at The Wigmore hall with the Neil Cowley Trio. Recently Ed worked with Tiger Aspect to develop an animated TV series and is currently working with the Little Angel Theatre on a production of Mr Big.

Ed worked with CLPE to co-create the Power of Pictures scheme which encourages visual literacy in primary school education and has received major funding from the Arts Council.

Ed lives and works in London.

www.edvere.com

twitter - @ed_vere

instagram - @ed_vere

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
520 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and interesting. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations and the message of being authentic. The book is described as a great read for kids of all ages, teaching important lessons about diversity and being true to oneself.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention "Story quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it interesting, with nice poetry and a nice theme of diversity and being yourself. The book is great for both adults and kids, with beautiful illustrations.

"Really marvelous book (with a lovely rhythm and rhyme pattern for a fun read aloud) that teaches about the "gray space" of being - meaning that you..." Read more

"...I loved it and my 6 year old grandson--who is a very strong reader, read it by himself. He said it reminded him of me. Nice compliment!..." Read more

"...This is a great book!" Read more

"Such a sweet story, told charmingly with wonderful illustrations. A great example of Ed Vere's lovely books for children." Read more

11 customers mention "Illustrations"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book. They say it's a great book to illustrate that each person (lion) doesn't have to act the way they are supposed to.

"This is a great book to illustrate that each person (lion) doesn't have to act the same way in order to be a valued member of society...." Read more

"Another beautiful book from Ed Vere! It eloquently and simply illustrated the power of being true to yourself, no matter what others may say...." Read more

"Really marvelous book (with a lovely rhythm and rhyme pattern for a fun read aloud)..." Read more

"...Get it the book! You'll love the illustrations and the message!" Read more

11 customers mention "Message"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message. They find it charmingly told with wonderful illustrations, a great message for being authentic. The book teaches that there is no one way to be. It's a fun read aloud with a rhyme pattern.

"...I love the message!" Read more

"...It eloquently and simply illustrated the power of being true to yourself, no matter what others may say. What a wonderful thing to teach children." Read more

"Really marvelous book (with a lovely rhythm and rhyme pattern for a fun read aloud)..." Read more

"A simple & beautiful book with a classic message: Be Yourself. The lesson is very similar to the most CHARMING Steven Cosgrove book, Leo the Lop." Read more

8 customers mention "Book for kids"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book for kids of all ages. It tells important stories that teach children about right and wrong. The message is simple and powerful for adults to remember and for kids to ponder.

"...What a wonderful thing to teach children." Read more

"This story is great for adults to read to small children. It's a simple, powerful message for adults to remember...and kids to ponder...." Read more

"...A great example of Ed Vere's lovely books for children." Read more

"This is a wonderful book for kids of all ages - good for all genders and orientations...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2023
    This is a great book to illustrate that each person (lion) doesn't have to act the same way in order to be a valued member of society. I love the message!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
    Another beautiful book from Ed Vere! It eloquently and simply illustrated the power of being true to yourself, no matter what others may say. What a wonderful thing to teach children.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
    Really marvelous book (with a lovely rhythm and rhyme pattern for a fun read aloud) that teaches about the "gray space" of being - meaning that you don't have to be like everyone else to be a contributing member of your community.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2019
    This story is great for adults to read to small children. It's a simple, powerful message for adults to remember...and kids to ponder. We all know right and wrong. We just sometimes aren't brave enough to pause, ponder and make the choice that's difficult - especially when it shakes some of the fear we've hidden back to the surface to face. Get it the book! You'll love the illustrations and the message!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2019
    A simple & beautiful book with a classic message: Be Yourself. The lesson is very similar to the most CHARMING Steven Cosgrove book, Leo the Lop.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2018
    This book was recommended by the IG mommy bloggers. I loved it and my 6 year old grandson--who is a very strong reader, read it by himself. He said it reminded him of me. Nice compliment! Not for kids younger than first grade or so--unless they are extra sensitive and supper emotionally in touch. It's a pretty complex theme. Beautiful, beautiful illustrations. I used it for lion week.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2019
    I first run into this book on the local library, I read it to my daughter and her and I LOVED IT. I love the fact that it is about a lion just trying to be who he is, despite the pressures from the other lions. This is a great book!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020
    Such a sweet story, told charmingly with wonderful illustrations. A great example of Ed Vere's lovely books for children.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2024
    Such a beautiful story! Highly recommend!
  • Customer 12
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funtastic
    Reviewed in India on September 12, 2022
    It's fun to read. My kids love it. Beautiful story, terrific illustrations. Cute storyline. Purrfect !
  • Mr JA Donnelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and beautiful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2021
    This is a sheer gem of a book that reminds us that is good to be different and being yourself is all that matters. Made a grown man cry in my first read! ❤️
  • さおりんご
    5.0 out of 5 stars さおりんご
    Reviewed in Japan on August 17, 2018
    Ed Vereさんの絵本が大好きでしたが、こちらの作品は今までの中で一番好きです。
    いつも同様 魅力的な絵に加え、今回は文の1つ1つにEdさんの熱い想いが込められているのを感じました。
    トランプ政権が子供に与える影響を危惧して作られたこの絵本が 多くの人に読んでもらえることを願います。
  • Vivian Myre
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must in your child's library collection
    Reviewed in Canada on August 7, 2020
    Fantastic story for children. I love that it allows for boys to be sensitive and advocates being themselves. It is beautifully illustrated too!

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?