The story in this book portraits the reality of many children who have different backgrounds and ethnicities. Her father is not in her life and her mother works long hours to support her and her brother. The lion protects the little girls as she navigates the city. This is a good book to read to children. ( )

basically: oh no, my heart ( )

I really liked this book. I feel that the idea is very unique and creative. The illustrations are fun and the book relays on them to help tell the story. For example the words don't say that the girl's father looks like a lion, the pictures show it and it is up to the reader to make that connection. I like the writing of this book because it is short and simple but still strong and meaningful. For example the first line says a lot but is simple. "Keep me company on the way home" or the line that says "and to the store that won't give us credit anymore." The first line shows that the girl is very lonely and missing the company of a father, while the second line shows that the family is struggling to pay for basic necessities like food. The main message of this story is that imagination can help children deal with emotions or the absence of someone in their life. ( )

There is a bittersweet tone to the book, with splashes of humor in the details of the illustrations, nonchalant text, but mixed with the unspoken images of her tired mother, their run down apartment, and the little girl having to do everything. I like what the illustrations portray, just not the style. The storyline does convey an important message. ( )

A girl and her imaginary lion travel through her busy day of picking up her baby brother to cooking dinner. The lion is her protector and seems to give her the confidence she needs. Her mother then comes home late from work, and the illustrations elude they lead a simple life. In the end, the lion is a symbol for someone special to her.