The Lion Inside Paperback – March 10, 2016

The Lion Inside quickly became one of my daughter’s favorite bedtime books. The story is playful and funny, following a timid little mouse who wants to find courage. The illustrations are vibrant and full of personality. What I love about this book is how it delivers an important message about confidence and friendship in a way that’s fun and easy for kids to understand. My daughter laughs at the antics, but she also remembers the lesson about believing in yourself. Like the other books in this series, it strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and teaching a gentle moral. We now own most of the series because we all enjoy them. Highly recommended!

wonderful story about differences and bridging those differences.

Inside of each of us lives an Inner Lion. Sometimes he is dormant but he is always there waiting for us to tap into our powerful potential. Even adults often struggle to remember this “hero within” so it is vital for us to help children discover and embrace their Inner Lion. This hero exists in all of us regardless of our stature or age. But he must compete with the other voices inside our heads-the ones who broadcast, fear, self-doubt, timidity and despairThe Lion Inside by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Jim Field brilliantly demonstrates that the most powerful person in my life is me. It also hammers home the truism “Never judge a book by its cover.” So often the face we present to the world hides our genuine selves, the selves that our both brave and fearful, confident and cautious.When we (both kids and adults) make judgments about others based on externals, we overlook the opportunity to connect with the whole person and all of us lose the chance to be genuine. Ironically, we often treat ourselves no better and criticize ourselves with the same harsh judgment!Fields’ fabulous illustrations carry a lot of the story’s message. The difference in size between the tiny mouse and the huge lion reinforces the immensity of the mouse’s decision to confront the lion. By connecting to his Inner Lion he awoke the bravery needed to accomplish his goal. Taken from the lion’s perspective, the reader experiences the other side of the equation. Physical size doesn’t protect one from fear. Courage does. Courage acknowledges fear and still chooses to act.Adoption-attuned Lens: All kids strive to find their niche in school, their neighborhoods, etc. Adoptees also must learn to find their comfort spot in their new families. Sometimes they can feel as mismatched and powerless as this little mouse when he faced the roaring lion. This story invites readers to consider that beyond stature and externals, each of us has important skills and gifts to contribute, fears to overcome, and opportunities to grow. Each family member benefits from being part of the larger whole. Diversity enriches families. And classrooms, neighborhoods and communities. --Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me"

Adorable book! Great addition to any kid's library. We love this author in our house. As a parent, I actually enjoy reading this one. Highly recommend!!!

CUTE BOOK! WILL GO WELL WITH PAINTED ROCK

Wonderful story, perfectly written and fun to read, great message. I purchased for my children but as a teacher also used in the classroom. This was my first in the Rachel Bright series but I will most definitely be buying the rest.

I’m a preschool teacher and I like to use this book throughout the year. The illustrations are beautiful. Through the use of the main characters, a lion and a mouse; children learn about fears, strengths & weaknesses, tolerance, acceptance and friendship.The dialogue is simple and its messages are clear for young ones to comprehend.You will want to add this to your collection of favorite children’s books.

At first we thought it might be a bit more than our 2 year old twin grandsons could absorb, but we were mistaken! They love the story and the pictures are so wonderful that they make up side stories based on other things in the pictures. The 2 and 5 year old really enjoy this book too.