Christian, the Hugging Lion

Amy June Bates brings this story to life with her sketched-outline, full color illustrations. It's a straightforward story without criticism (why was it legal for Harrod's to sell wild animals? Isn't it unethical to keep a lion cub in a small apartment?), which focuses on Ace and John and their new pet, Christian. (Clever to name a lion Christian when they used to throw Christians to the lions.) Eventually, Christian grows too big for the apartment, and Ace and John bring him to Kenya, where Mr. Adamson helps the lion learn to live in the wild. Later, when Ace and John return to Kenya, Christian recognizes them and they have a hugging reunion. (Again - kind of dangerous? But that is what happened - there's a video online.) I enjoyed Ace show more and John's 1970s style of clothes and long hair, and Christian is expressive in face and body. show less

Very cute picture book of the true story captured on video and went viral in 2008 of the feral lion that is reunited with his human buddies. The text takes only a few liberties with the truth, as the story is already perfect to be told as a children's story. The art is adorable - especially the cover photo. I'm happy to have this in my growing picture book collection.

A couple of books have already been published about Christian the Lion but this telling is warm and inviting. The two wordless spreads showing Christian, Ace, and John are wonderful.

Christion is a lion cub adopted by a couple who love him and care for him. As Christian matures it becomes necessary for him to return to the wild.