"There’s a Lion in the House" by Mary Esparza-Vela, Illustrated by Jack Foster

There’s a Lion in the House, by Mary Esparza-Vela, and illustrated by Jack Foster, is another sweet book for young children. Young Robby Rabbit has a bad habit of tricking and teasing his brothers. Of course, they don’t like it one bit. Just like the story of the boy who cried wolf, Robby plays his tricks once too often and when he really needs help, no one comes to his rescue.  He’s left to face the dangerous sound of a lion’s roar all on his own.  He’s brave and hurries to save his parents, only to get a big surprise – and it’s not a lion in the house!

 

Jack Foster’s illustrations are in his usual cartoony style. The rabbits are soft and fluffy; the action and emotions are well-portrayed.  It’s easy for youngsters who don’t read yet to follow the story and be happily entertained. More information about Jack Foster is at http://jacktoon.blogspot.com/.

Ms. Esparza-Vela’s stories are straightforward, but each one has a message that teachers and parents will appreciate. In There’s a Lion in the House, the message is if you tease and play tricks on your family, they may not believe you. It’s better to be truthful and be a family member who can be trusted. 

In Lucky’s Lick, the message is you can do what must be done if you have the love and support of your family and friends. 

In You Can’t Take the Dinosaur Home, the message is we can’t always do what we want to, but we can look out for our family and listen to our parents. 

 

In The Odd Chick, the message is to appreciate and accept our differences. 

In The Turtle Who Imagined, the message is to accept yourself and your gifts. 

  

In The Smiling Burro, the message is to value your pets and care for them. 

In Bearly Learning about Water the message again is to take care of and look after your family.

 

Most of Ms. Esparza-Vela's books are translated into Spanish. More information about Mary Esparza-Vela and for signed copies (and dolls) go to: www.marysdollsandbooks.com/.

There’s a Lion in the House and many of Ms. Esparza-Vela's books are published by www.guardianangelpublishing.com/, and also available from www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. 

******

Tags:  Mary Esparza-Vela, Jack Foster, children's books, lion, rabbits, turtle, chicks, bears, burro, puppy, love, helping, playing, learning, family, brothers, sisters, Guardian Angel Publishing