ROAR LIKE A LION

Important emotional lessons from the animal world.

Have you ever marveled at two dogs first meeting and seeming to make friends so easily? Or perhaps you feel like a pigeon amid a flock of other birds—just a part of the crowd? Well, the dogs recognize the importance of healthy bonds, and each pigeon is unique! Animals interact and adapt in such marvelous ways; they can be inspirations to humans. With proclamations and affirmations directed to readers (“dear young humans”), the book features chapters on individuality, inner confidence, a supportive pack, kindness, bravery, resilience, and happiness. Sorosiak compares facts about certain species and true stories of particular animals to common human challenges involving school, art, and friendship. She includes various perspectives and emphasizes that everyone is different—and that’s OK. For instance, a crow can’t run fast like an ostrich or hover like a hummingbird, but it can solve complex puzzles and remember human faces for years, and that’s really impressive! Playful typography intermixes with Walker’s charming illustrations to sustain visual appeal. Taken together, this is a great read for animal lovers (full of interesting information) or any young reader needing a smile (images of pandas somersaulting in the snow are sure to elicit grins) and some encouragement through the trials of life. Humans depicted with their animal friends are racially diverse.

Like life, grab this book with both paws!