Andy and the Lion (Picture Puffins)

With simple text and large illustrations, James Daugherty tells about Andy, a farm boy who loves to read (especially about lions!). On the way to school one day, Andy meets a real lion who just happens to have a thorn in his paw. Clever Andy takes the thorn out with his handy pliers and makes a friend of the lion. Weeks later when the circus comes to town, a wild lion escapes from the ring. All the people in the audience run for their lives but, of course, it's Andy's own lion friend, and Andy saves the day.This charming tale is delightful in its fantasy; most 6-9 year olds never quite understand that the lion is in Andy's imagination. The yellow and black illustrations are dated, but they are funny. The book is a winner because of its sweet message of friendship. Who wouldn't want to have a real lion for a friend? Kids 6-8 love this book!

Andy and the Lion is a well known tale, simply and effectively told. It is one of the books I remember well from childhood and eagerly shared with my children. The moral is simple and not preachy.

This book should be in every child's early reading experience. Kindness and compassion rule the day!

A great book that stays with someone from childhood on