Clementine and the Lion - by Zoey Abbott (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Clementine is fed up with being under the rule of her overbearing parents. So when her mother is snatched away by dragons and her father becomes lost at sea in a bottle, she finds herself rather relieved to be alone. She outwits her dull aunt Mildred who is sent to care for her, and settles into a happy life of freedom and self-reliance. That is, until she leaves the door ajar one day and returns home to discover an unwelcome intruder . . . With its surprising plot twists and dark(ish) humour, this charming tale of an independent-minded girl and her unexpected housemate is reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak, but at the same time, feels completely fresh."--

Book Synopsis

A plucky and self-determined girl confronts an unexpected houseguest in this imaginative tale reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak.

Since her parents are ogres of the worst kind, Clementine is rather relieved when her mother is snatched by dragons and her father is lost at sea in a bottle. Now she eats when and where she pleases. She does her hair as she likes, or not, depending on her mood. She is happy. But when a lion appears, uninvited, in her living room, Clementine's pleasant world is suddenly upended. And when he eats all the food and wrecks her home, Clementine realizes there's nothing she can do but leave. Or is there?

With its surprising plot twists, fantastically imagined storyline, and dark(ish) humor, Zoey Abbott's highly entertaining picture book offers young children a brave -- and resourceful! -- new heroine for their time. Clementine, a girl with an inspiring independent streak and an enormous mass of orange hair, is an unforgettable character who knows her mind and handles life with courage and aplomb. The inventively playful illustrations use small details to convey big emotions, sure to pull in children for a closer look. This book is full of the positive character education themes of self-respect, initiative, responsibility and teamwork. It also offers wonderful lessons on standing up for yourself, nonjudgment and finding friendships in unexpected places.

Review Quotes

This story sure to spark a multitude of questions and great discussions about setting and respecting boundaries, accepting oneself and others, and finding friendship in unlikely places.--Children's Literature

About the Author

Zoey Abbott is the author-illustrator of Banana, Clementine and the Lion, I Do Not Like Yolanda and Pig and Horse and the Something Scary, and the illustrator of a number of other picture books as well. Zoey lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, kids and two dogs, Carrots and Maple.