FICTION

Love Is for Roaring

by Mike Kerr (text) & illus. by Renata Liwska
Bloomsbury. Jan. 2022. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781681191249.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–Lion is grumpy when a class assignment instructs everyone to make a list: “Show your love.” Lion is fearsome and fierce and doesn’t like lovey-dovey stuff. Mouse senses that Lion is upset and shares images of things Lion does enjoy—sweet treats and running and roaring. Through this thoughtful friend, Lion realizes that he often shows love, and he embraces this aspect of himself. The book has great word choices, such as fearsome and fierce, but more importantly it beautifully captures friendship and the importance of conveying love. The story could be used to teach SEL and help children better articulate and understand their emotions. The illustrations in muted, smudgy pastels are calming and relatable.
VERDICT A thoughtful, reasonable approach to the broad definitions of love and how to show it, this book meets children where they are and coaxes understanding.
Reviewed by Tracey Hodges, Univ. of Alabama, Northport, AL , Nov 01, 2021

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?