The Happiest Lion Cub - by Oleksandr Shatokhin (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In the savanna lands of Africa lives a lion cub who dreams of being a musician. But his father is against this desire because he expects his son to become king of all the animals. And in order to become the king, he must learn how to growl menacingly, not how to play instruments and sing. Will this lion cub really have to abandon his dreams to fulfill his destiny?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A lion cub prince, with passion for music, struggles with his destiny to be king.

In the savanna lands of Africa lives a lion cub who dreams of being a musician. But his father is against this desire because he expects his son to become king of all the animals. And in order to become the king, he must learn how to growl menacingly, not how to play instruments and sing. Will this lion cub really have to abandon his dreams to fulfill his destiny?

Review Quotes

"Both text and artwork are playful (the list of virtues that the father creates will induce giggles), bringing whimsy to a familiar story. While the message is evident, the story is choice-affirming rather than pedantic. Positive, uplifting, and unique." -Kirkus Reviews

"The charming illustrations are in perfect sympathy with the words, which show the lion cub's imperviousness to his father's anger not as rebellion, but as focus on his dream. The comic results of rainfall on a lion's mane and other funny touches will have children chortling at story hours, and they'll delight in pointing out residents of this special setting. VERDICT A splendid debut in a tale as deceptively simple as Aesop, but far more lilting." -School Library Journal

"This heartwarming tale and the bright illustrations full of lines expressing emotion and movement will captivate readers and remind them that you can still be brave while doing what you enjoy most."-World Kid Lit

About the Author

Oleksandr Shatokhin is an artist and children's book illustrator who lives and works in Sumy, Ukraine. The Happiest Lion Cub is the author's first book to be translated into English.

Zenia Tompkins, an American of Ukrainian descent, began translating Ukrainian literature in 2015, after fifteen years' experience in education, academia, and the private sector. She holds graduate degrees in Middle Eastern Languages and Literatures from the University of Columbia and Islamic Studies from the University of Virginia. She currently lives in Tegucigalpa as the spouse of a U.S. diplomat, but considers Narrowsburg, NY.