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The Lion Who Wanted to Love - Story Snug
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The Lion Who Wanted to Love by Giles Andreae & David Wojtowycz

Unlike most lions The Lion Who Wanted to Love wants to hug animals, not harm them.

The Story: Leo is not like any other lion, he wants to hug other animals rather than hunt them. His mother says his behaviour is not acceptable and he must leave the pride. However, Leo makes lots of friends in the jungle who come to his rescue when he is in trouble. By the end of the story he has a very proud mummy who humbly admits her mistake.

This story is told in rhyme and is beautifully illustrated. Two year olds will enjoy the story for it’s colourful, animal pictures while older children will understand and be able to discuss the underlying theme – it is good to be different and also to have courage in your convictions.

The Lion Who Wanted to Love - Story Snug

The Lion Who Wanted to Love won The Red House Best Picture Book Award in 1998.

Age Range: 2 +

Author – Giles Andreae / Illustrator – David Wojtowycz

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4 responses to “The Lion Who Wanted to Love by Giles Andreae & David Wojtowycz”

  1. Bec @IshMotherBec avatar
    Bec @IshMotherBec

    Just found this post after you commented on my review of this book, good to read your perspective! I think the fact lions just aren’t like this is the whole point of the book – it wouldn’t work if it was a famously cuddly animal portrayed! I wondered how exactly Leo survived without hunting, but most children’s books ask us to suspend disbelief so I don’t have much trouble with that. If my kids were likely to encounter actual lions I might think twice though!

    Reply
    1. Catherine avatar
      Catherine

      I agree! The reason the story works for me is because the lion is acting in a way that he wouldn’t in real life. It strengthens the message but in a fantastical and believable way.

      Reply
  2. Heather avatar
    Heather

    We enjoy reading the story but coming from Africa and being the ultra logical person that I am, lions just aren’t like this. After reading the story one evening, Emma commented, “but I can’t hug a lion, I would be eaten.” On the other hand, the story does illustrate nicely that being different is ok.

    Reply
    1. Catherine avatar
      Catherine

      It is interesting how our cultural experiences, prior knowledge and personalities influence our perceptions of stories. Having no experience of lions in the wild we enjoy the fantasy of the story and have never looked at it from a logical point of view. Your comment has sparked off ideas as to how the story could be used as a starting point for discussions about many aspects of animal life – camouflage, characteristics, diet etc.

      Thank you!

      Reply