A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 156

Picture Book: When Lions Roar

Author: Robie H. Harris

Illustrator: Chris Raschka

Summary: This book begins: “When lions roar! When monkeys screech! When lightning cracks! When thunder booms!” The list of loud fears continues. In the middle: “The scary is near! The scary is here! So I sit right down. Shut my eyes tight. ‘Go away,’ I say. ‘Scary go away.’ And then - the quiet is back. So I open my eyes. And stand right up.” What follows is a list of quiet sounds. Then the ending, “The scary is gone. And I go on my way.”

Hanna’s Comments: This comforting story dramatizes some great emotional intelligence. This boy knows the source of his fears, and demonstrates strategies to deal with them. Afterwards he is able to reassure himself by focusing on the quiet, non-threatening aspects of his life. Dealing with fears is a crucial part of childhood. Being able to talk about good strategies is a valuable part of faith development particularly when learning to rely on the comforting presence of God and loving adults in your religious community.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, bravery/courage, comfort, danger, emotions/feelings, fear, God’s presence, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, prayer, quiet/silence, reassurance, reflection, safety, safe place/sanctuary, self-control, storms, strength/strength in God, transformation

Scripture Connections: Any scriptures about fear or courage such as Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19); fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); Jesus'disciples in the boat during a windstorm (Mark 4:35-41); (God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: When I read this book, I immediately thought of Elijah struggling with his fears, searching for God to comfort him, and listening for God in the quiet. It is a powerful scripture story that should be taught to children.