How to Hide a Lion 

Author: Helen Stephens

Age Range: 3 - 8 Years

Overview

How does a very small girl hide a very large lion? It's not easy, but Iris has to do her best, because mums and dads can be funny about having a lion in the house. Luckily, there are lots of good places to hide a lion - behind the shower curtain, in your bed, and even up a tree. But Iris can't hide her lion forever, and when her mum discovers him, he has to run away and hide all on his own. When the lion sees three robbers stealing from the town hall, it's his chance to show everyone that he is, after all, a kind (and very brave) lion - just like Iris always said.

Editorial Review

Purchasing a hat on a hot day is a perfectly ordinary errand-unless you're a lion. When this particular shopper is chased off the premises by understandably terrified townspeople, he finds refuge in the playhouse of a little girl. Being the brave and practical sort, Iris determines that due to her fugitive's large size, he must be hidden indoors. She combs his mane, tends to a wounded paw, and comforts and conceals him because, as everyone knows, "moms and dads can be funny about having a lion in the house." Readers get the impression that this arrangement could go on indefinitely if it weren't for the fact that lions are difficult to move when sleeping-which they do "a lot." The lion is roused by the shrieks of Iris's surprised mother and is forced to find a new hiding spot masquerading between two stone lions in front of the town hall. His watchful nature, and ability to pin down burglars, ultimately makes him a town hero. He proudly marches in a parade held in his honor and claims his reward: the hat he was searching for in the first place. Bright, cheerful sketches accompany this engaging plot filled with pluck, tenderness, and just a dash of English whimsy. Without the slightest bit of treacle and a great deal of humor, Stephens weaves a story about bravery and kindness that adults and children will reach for again and again.