Customer Reviews

Christian the Lion

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful children's book I bought for my grandbabies in England, where Christian came from. Since it is a true story, it is particularly fascinating. I stumbled upon the YouTube video of Christian greeting his old friends Ace and John after a year in the wilds of Kenya, was totally hooked, and had to find out more. I have purchased the video, Christian the Lion at World's End (apparently a reference to King's Road in London where Christian began his road to freedom), from [...] and would recommend it to anyone with a modicum of interest in this story. Proceeds go to bornfree for conservation and returning wild animals to the wild.

I also recommend the book for grown-ups, A Lion Called Christian, for parents to read so they know the whole story, along with this book they can read to their children. There are some unfortunate circumstances with Katania and Boy addressed in the video and I assume the grown-up book (which I have just started) since they are addressed in the video, that are not addressed in the children's book, which is good. I read this book in one short evening to make sure it was suitable for younger children. It is. And there are actual photographs of Christian, Ace and John!

This is an absolutely lovely story, and Ace (Anthony) Bourke and John Rendall have done an excellent job with this book, including the facts section at the end of the book with information about Kenya and its wildlife.

I recommend it very highly.

The book brought tears to my eyes. With all the trouble in the world...this book makes it clear what really matters...love.

Like most people, Christian was unknown to me before YouTube. But once I saw the reunion between Christian and John & Ace, it was all over. I really couldn't wait to read the story of this incredible friendship, and was not dissapointed in John and Ace's book. It was funny, warm, touching and most of all...proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that love really does know no boundaries. If you want to feel good, read this book. What a nice change from the usual murder mysteries, political junky books, etc. You won't be sorry if you buy this book.

Christian the Lion became a hit on YouTube recently, but he was really owned by the authors in the late 60's and early 70's.

They found the small cub at Harrod's in England and took him home with them, but as Christian began to grow, they realized he couldn't continue to live with him. With a newfound friend named George, the two friends made plans for Christian to be brought to Kenya and eventually let out in the wild.

Once he did, he was gone for a year before Anthony "Ace" and John ever saw him again. George warned that he might not recognize them anymore, but surprisingly, he did! He even introduced them to his wife, as if they were old friends.

This book is perfect for young children, as it allows them to learn about lions in a fun and unique way, with pictures to make it even more exciting! At the back of the novel, they have facts about lions, as well as other African animals. It's very much a small educational novel.

However, CHRISTIAN THE LION is simply a fun book about a very well-known lion who defied the odds when it came to his relationship with these two human men. It's a short book that people of all ages can enjoy if they want to learn more about Christian, Ace, and John. It's a very easy read, with all of the basic information you need to know.

If you want to learn more, the men have an adult title, A LION CALLED CHRISTIAN, on the subject as well.

Reviewed by: Lauren Ashley

I received this book as a gift before I knew there was a youtube video. The book is simply written but is a very poignant story. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down! I would recommend this book to all animal lovers because its story defies all that we are supposed to believe about animals in their "wild" habitat. My husband teaches 4th grade and is planning on reading it to his class and then having them watch the youtube video.

Two friends searching for holiday gifts in London come across an amazing sight: a lion cub for sale in Harrods, the famous department store. They take him home; a year later the adopters realize their pet needs more care than they can give him. This story of how Christian was returned to the African wild offers a vivid survey of human interactions with wildlife and nature.

I bought this for one of my granddaughters who loves to read and loves animal of all sorts. Saw a segment on "The View" with these two men and films with them and Christian. It was such a heartwarming story; Another "Born Free" (what a movie!!) Anyway, I decided to get this a a birthday gift. I have read it, love it and I'm sure my granddaughter will also. I hope it is a book she will treasure and pass down to her children if she has any.

This is a story that brings joy and tears to every heart that hears or reads it. It is not sappy or sentimental but it is extraordinary. The book was in perfect condition as well.

makes you realise what a joy the worlds values were before the political spinners and the cynics took centre stage.pity we cant have more of this instead of the corrosion of the greed of politics

I bought the book for my great nephew for his birthday to go along with a video that he wanted. I love the story about Christian and I wanted him to know the story, also.