He learns what matters most to him and what makes him happy and fulfilled and is, eventually, able to achieve this. Francois the young lion does not want to conform to what many would think of as the way he ‘should’ behave and live his life. It is the book’s thoughtful message that adds a greater depth to this charming story. The French settings and the occasional French words are a brilliant way of introducing young children to the language and culture of another country in a natural manner. The animals are depicted with humour and a child friendly appeal but have a realistic appearance too, it is beautifully done. There are several spreads in black and white and there is a real feel of movement on some of the pages. The artwork by Duvoisin, although using a limited palette, is bold, colourful and graphic in appearance with much detail for children to pore over.
The overall look of this book is distinctive. He will be a gardening assistant alongside Francois the keeper’s son, tending and nurturing the flowers and trees.Īs soon as I opened this book and started to read I was a little girl again, transported back in time, not so much by the words initially, but most definitely by the illustrations. Finally he returns to the zoo to do what he has always wanted. When this does not work out well due to his increasing size Francois joins the circus where he struggles in his efforts to roar and be scary because he likes people and does not want to frighten them. Various possibilities are discussed and dismissed by the two happy lions until a rich lady visiting the zoo decides that Francois will be her pet.
What job should he do when he grows up to keep him happy?
He wonders what the future holds for the baby lion. All is well but then, for the first time in his life, the Happy Lion starts to worry. He is named Francois, after their best friend, the zoo keeper’s son. Their happiness is now complete and the two proud parents are delighted with their new cub. There was once ONE happy Lion…he was joined by a second happy lion and in this story the two happy lions welcome a baby happy lion.
0 kommentar(er)
