A Lion Named Shirley Williamson [Hardcover]

Bernard Waber (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

The lions at the zoo are jealous of the new lioness because of her fancy name and because of the special treatment she receives from the zookeeper.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The newest perky animal character from the creator of Lyle the Crocodile is a lion with an unlikely moniker. The big cat's name earns her preferential treatment from Seymour the zookeeper: he serves her meals on a tray adorned with a rose and decorates her cage with a patterned rug and a potted palm. She quickly becomes the zoo's star attraction (although there are problems: people named Shirley Williamson "didn't like sharing their name with a ferocious animal"). A consummate crowd-pleaser, Shirley loves the limelight, but nonetheless grows homesick for the wilds of Africa and for her freedom. Oddly, Waber leaves this issue hanging; next thing the reader knows, zoo officials fire Seymour and change Shirley's name to Bongo because the other lions are jealous of the attention she receives. A madcap sequence involves Shirley's escape, her reunion with Seymour in his Brooklyn apartment, and his resourceful plan to return her to the zoo. Shirley gets back her original name and Seymour is reinstated, but kids may well fret that the heroine winds up beyond bars, her dreams of freedom unresolved. Waber's waggish cartoons and comical dialogue are as enjoyable as ever, but the loose ends bar this entry from the top of the list of his largely first-rate offerings. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Waber's characteristic sly humor and droll, watercolor-and-ink cartoon art bring to life the hilarious mishaps that befall a lion named Shirley Williamson. Because of her unusual name, Seymour, the zookeeper, indulges her with beautiful roses; admiring fans send her flattering letters; and the director of the zoo proclaims an official "Shirley Williamson Day." The other lions, Goobah, Poobah, and Aroobah, growl in jealous rage over Shirley's exceptional status. Then, one ill-fated day, much to the wicked satisfaction of the envious pride, Shirley is stripped of her name and simply becomes Bongo. Miserable and homesick for Africa, she escapes from her cage and hunts down Seymour in Brooklyn. In the end, she regains her special name and accepts the fact that the zoo is her home. A delightful adventure for reading aloud in humorous tribute to one of nature's most majestic creatures.
Selene S. Vasquez, New York Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (October 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395809797
• ISBN-13: 978-0395809792
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,970,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, quirky tale deserves a wider audience, July 4, 2000

By 

Carol S. (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Lion Named Shirley Williamson (Paperback)

Bernard Waber is probably better known for the "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" series, and the sweet "Ira Sleeps Over," picture books which every young child should own. But "A Lion Named Shirley Williamson" is also worth a look. A telephone miscommunication causes the zoo to believe that its new lion is named Shirley Williamson. The special attention that Shirley receives as a result of her unusual moniker makes the other lions jealous. When Shirley is renamed "Bongo" and her favorite zookeeper fired, she escapes. I won't spoil the cute twist at the end, but let's just say all's well that ends well. The book has sprightly, simple drawings that perfectly suit the slightly offbeat story, and there's plenty of dry wit to keep parents amused, too.

5.0 out of 5 stars By coincidence, my name is Shirley Williamson..., June 25, 2008

By 

Daniel R. Williamson "Danny Williamson" (Raleigh,NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Lion Named Shirley Williamson (Paperback)

Actually my name is not Shirley Williamson; but my wife's name is. We were amazed when our 26 year old son gave this book to her for a Christmas present. Makes one wonder why in the world did Waber use the name 'Shirley Williamson' for his lion. (My wife & he have never met; of that I'm certain!)Somehow our son stumbled across the title on the internet and promptly purchased. Anyway, we've read this book to our 6 yo niece and she really enjoyed it! Very good for holding her attention until the very end. Highly recommended! And of course, we like the title too!