The Happy Lion [Hardcover]

Louise Fatio (Author), Roger Duvoisin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: March 9, 2004 | Age Range: 3 - 7 years

The lion at the little French zoo is a favorite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him tidbits and say, “Bonjour, Happy Lion.” Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbors in return. But, wait—sacré bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror?

“Louise Fatio’s timeless tale about friendship still sparkles and Roger Duvoisin’s elegant illustrations are as engaging as ever in this 50th Anniversary edition.” —School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

A friendly lion in a small French zoo enjoys the visits of the townspeople who stop by each day to say ?Bonjour, Happy Lion.? So one day, when the zoo keeper forgets to close the lion?s door, the Happy Lion decides to return the visits to all the nice people of the town. To his amazement, as he strolls through the town his friends scream and run from him, the police and fire brigade are called, and people cower in their shops or houses. How a small boy saves the day concludes a wonderfully satisfying story that is just the right length for bedtime or anytime.

At age 50, The Happy Lion continues to charm and delight and Alfred A. Knopf is proud to reissue it for today?s young children.

About the Author

Louise Fatio collaborated with her famous illustrator husband, Roger Duvoisin, on The Happy Lion, one of the most beloved stories of the mid-20th century. Long unavailable, it was reissued in a hardcover edition to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2004. She was born in Switzerland in 1904 and died in New Jersey in 1993.

Roger Duvoisin, a Caldecott Medal winner, wrote and illustrated 40 books, including those featuring Veronica the conspicuous hippopotamus and Petunia the silly goose. He collaborated with his wife, Louise Fatio, on nine more Happy Lion stories. He was born in Switzerland in 1904 and died in New Jersey in 1980.

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 50 edition (March 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375827595
• ISBN-13: 978-0375827594
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.3 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #558,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent story September 5, 2006

By Jennifer Murphy-spivey

Format:Hardcover

my 3 yr old daughter and i chose this book at the library today based on the reviews i read from amazon; and the book did not disappoint. the story is very well written; simple and not too complicated, however, not so simple as to lose the interest of the child/reader. I am finding as my daugher is building her library, that most of her favorite books are the older ones, such as this; with very good and simple story lines, happy endings and simple illustrations. nothing too excitable, scary, or inappropriate for her age. this book would be great for 2yr old right on up to kindergarten.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The work of an artist March 20, 2012

By Maria Dethloff

Format:Hardcover

I loved the book! And that was in the fifties when it was still new. I was somewhat amazed about the reduced color palette and the scratchy style in the illustrations; the drawings did not remind me of what I used to know to be childrens' books. Instead, I got to know the work of an artist. Roger Duvoisin, influenced by Brancusi, taught me a new approach to drawing and sketching at an early age. If you want your child to be introduced into the art of a master, give him/her this book -- and let your child learn about the power of friendship when fear and prejudice are overcome, a beautiful message.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We love it May 22, 2008

By Just a Mom

Format:Hardcover

I checked out this book from the library for my 3 year old daughter. We loved it and had a great time reading it with a french accent. We loved this book so much that she is getting it for her birthday to add to her book collection at home. This is a classic. Also check out the other "Happy Lion" books from Louise Fatio.