HEDGE LION

When a lion camouflages himself as a hedge to stay unnoticed, young Ida works relentlessly to help him release his repressed roar.

From the beginning, readers are aware that only Ida recognizes the disguised lion, but they will also notice that Ida is blessed with a vivid imagination—in her mind, trotting down cement steps becomes a descent down a mountain, and swinging on a gate is like crossing a river. Why, then, should we believe that Hedge Lion is more than a hedge? Yet we do, since the entire story hinges around Ida’s efforts to out her silent companion. The language is both accessible and droll as Ida creates a “hedgy mane” and packs snacks to encourage the lion to get more “roary.” When he finally lets down his mane, he can’t seem to stop—to Ida’s chagrin. Children will understand both the lion’s self-control issues and Ida’s remorse at shouting at him; Wilson-Owen offers a sensitive take on the idea of expressing and managing big emotions. Skilled use of fine-lined drawings is further enhanced by judicious use of color, particularly when the lion is spotlighted in bright yellow. The ending sweetly draws readers to bedtime. Ida and family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Roaring good naptime fare.