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

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.
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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
The illos for this book are SO appealing. I added your review to my Book Reviews (kids to YA (on Pinterest )
ReplyDeleteHi Margot, Yes,, always count on Jack's illos to be "kid friendly," fun, and appealing. Mary's message is right on target, as in her other books. Thanks for commenting and supporting us.
DeleteExcellent review, Penny.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, thanks for your kind words! I appreciate your unfailing support.
DeleteThanks for sharing, Penny. Well done, Mary and Jack.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks for your comments! Wishing Mary and Jack much success with this sweet story.
DeleteSounds like a fun read. I love the cover. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, thanks for visiting and commenting! It's a cute, sweet story.
DeleteIt's wonderful that Mary has another fun book with an important message for kids, and Jack's illustrations are adorable, as always! Thanks for the great review, Penny!
ReplyDeleteHi Connie, thanks for your support. I do like Mary's themes -- important messages for kids to hear. Wishing her much success.
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