Review: Lizzy the Lioness by Lisa Bevere, Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-Jones

LIZZY THE LIONESS

by Lisa Bevere

Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-Jones

Thomas Nelson

Picture Book Religious

32 pages

ages 3+

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help! Encourage your little ones with the true meaning of bravery through the beautiful story of Lizzy the Lioness by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere.

Boys and girls will love the story of Lizzy, a little lion who must learn what it truly means to be brave in the face of hard things. When she sees someone in danger, Lizzy tries her best to help, but she quickly learns that sometimes being brave means asking adults for help.

With a unique spin on the concept of bravery, Lizzy the Lioness is a timely picture book in an ever-changing world. Children will see that bravery is so much more than big muscles or loud roars but often is found in the tiniest people who have the courage to speak up when no one else will. By asking God for help and then bringing grown-ups into the picture, Lizzy shows kids that being brave doesn’t have to happen by yourself—it happens with help!

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere’s first picture book will make waves with its unique and compelling message for families everywhere. Parents and children alike will enjoy the beautiful artwork as well as the story of communication and teamwork.

You don’t have to be the biggest to be the strongest, and you don’t have to be the loudest to be the bravest. Show your children God’s truest definition of bravery with the timeless story of Lizzy the Lioness.

MY TIDBITS

Lizzy is a lioness, which is sure to inspire kids and have them visiting her story again and again.

Lions are brave creatures, and Lizzy's family isn't any different. Being one of the youngest lions, she can't always accompany her parents on their adventures. Still, she enjoys life and the small adventures she has on her own. When a friend of hers runs into trouble, she's going to have to be brave to save her, but she isn't strong enough to solve the problem on her own.

Lizzy is a sweet lion, whose charisma and joy for life springs off of every page. Her family is kind, and even though she dreams of the day she is big too, she doesn't let it get to her and enjoys what she has. Still, she has an adventurous spirit, which young readers will love. Although the book holds a strong message, most of the story unfolds naturally and lets young readers fall into Lizzy's life and get to know her well. There are a couple spots where the tale suddenly switches to directly speak to the listener/readers, which pulls out of the flow, but the rest of the tale rolls across smoothly.

The illustrations are lovely and bring across the lions nicely. Kids will enjoy gazing at the pictures and get a chance to dive into Lizzy's life as a young lion.

The message is delivered clearly at the end. Although the trouble arises fairly quickly after Lizzy meets her friend, and the idea of calling the person a 'friend' is a little of a stretch, the warm and caring side of Lizzy makes her a heroine to cheer for. When she realizes that she needs to ask for help, her decision makes sense and never gives her the appearance of being weak. She remains a brave lioness through and through.

At the very end of the book, there's a note from the author as well as a few tips on how parents can discuss the theme with their kids and apply it to their own lives.

Summed up, it's a cute picture book with a great message, and young listeners are sure to love Lizzy.



I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.