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, 21:28, 11 September 2012
{{infobox
|title=How to Hide a Lion
|author=Helen Stephens
|reviewer=Keith Dudhnath
|genre=For Sharing
|rating=4.5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-1407121611
|paperback=1407121618
|hardback=1407120662
|audiobook=
|ebook=
|pages=32
|publisher=Alison Green Books
|date=August 2012
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1407121618</amazonuk>
|amazonus=<amazonus>1407121618</amazonus>
|website=http://www.helenstephens.com/
|video=
|summary=An amusing tale of a young girl hiding a lion in her house. There are nods to classic picture books, and ''How to Hide a Lion'' sits comfortably alongside all of them. Highly recommended.
}}
Lions - dangerous? Pah. They're so gentle that a little could have one as a pet. That's exactly what Iris does when a lion wanders into town. Her parents wouldn't see things as she does, so Iris decides to hide the lion around the house.
I loved ''How to Hide a Lion''. It was beautifully silly in a way that will particularly amuse young book fans. They'll love seeing a child getting one over on her parents, albeit in a gentle and ridiculous manner. The writing style is excellent, with accessible vocabulary, and a good flow to the plot. Helen Stephens' illustrations are fantastic: they have a timeless style that is reminiscent of classic picture books, yet are fresh enough to never feel stuffy.
There is an obvious nod to [[The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr]], as well as hints of other picture books, including [[Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr|Mog the Forgetful Cat, also by Judith Kerr]]. The gentle nonsense reminded me, in part, of [[:Category:Hilaire Belloc|Hilaire Belloc]] and [[:Category:Edward Lear|Edward Lear]] - fine company indeed!
It's smart, it's funny, it's charming. The illustrations and writing are great. Children and adults alike will enjoy reading ''How to Hide a Lion'' time and again. Highly recommended.
For other lion adventures, take a look at [[ROAR! by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe]], and particularly the excellent [[Jim, Who Ran Away From His Nurse and Was Eaten By A Lion by Hilaire Belloc and Mini Grey]].
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