The Happy Lion
Louise Fatio author Roger Duvoisin illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Scallywag Press
Published:6th Jun '19
Should be back in stock very soon
Wonderful feel good message about learning who you are, and finding happiness and a real friend. There is huge nostalgia for this classic title which is being re-issued in a larger, high quality hardback format with full bleed inside illustration. Appealing and recognisable cover with inside artwork using minimal colours alternating with black and white, a style now firmly back in fashion. More than 50 years after its first publication this title is still a firm favourite, making it an ideal gift from both grannies or those who love the retro style. French setting and expressions in both text and pictures introduce an international and timeless feel. Poster available.
A friendly lion from the zoo pays an unexpected call on the townspeople, but comes to realise he is happiest at home.
The lion at the little French zoo is a favourite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him tidbits and say, 'Bonjour, Happy Lion.' Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbours in return. But, wait—sacré bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror?
Even if the townspeople are too frightened to cope, the Happy Lion’s friend Francois saves the day and leads him home. On reflection, the Happy Lion decides he is happier at home.
This classic from 1954 has been reprinted, and not before time. Duvoisin’s illustrations are exceptional, and his big-picture format would make a roaringly good present for a summer birthday.
* The Times *Charming bit of French nostalgia.
* The New Statesman *The timeless narrative, gentle humour, tender friendship between the lion and François, and the delightfully characterful illustrations are a reminder why this book is still a firm family favourite and make it the ideal gift for a new generation of readers.
* Lancashire Evening Post *Wonderful to see this lovely feel-good book reissued over 50 years after its first publication.
* Parents in Touch *This charmingly-illustrated book has genuine mid-century styling and will appeal to art lovers as well as the nostalgia market. The lion is drawn with great sensitivity and Duvoisin’s tawny palette is pleasingly appropriate.
* Books for Keeps *With alternate black and white, and three-colour, textured spreads, Duvoisin’s illustrations – wonderful, sketchy, smudgy scenes – still hold their magical charm – for this reviewer certainly – providing the perfect complement to Fatio’s tale.
* Red Reading Hub *A gorgeous story … sure to be a firm favourite with a new generation of readers of all ages!
* The Book Activist *Very funny and with a brilliant sense of timing, this fifty-year-old classic feels fresh and effortlessly timeless. Highly recommended.
* Children's Books Ireland *ORIGINALLY written in the 1950s, this classic title gets a re-release thanks to Scallywag Press, and a charming edition they have put together too. You can feel the quality of the physical product as soon as you flick through it with your hands … A beautifully illustrated, beautifully presented work. Full marks.
* Northern Scottish Pape- Winner of German Children's Book Prize 1956 (Germany)
ISBN: 9781912650132
Dimensions: 270mm x 216mm x 4mm
Weight: 196g
32 pages