Yarlett’s satisfying story celebrates the awareness, compassion, and problem-solving ability of a child who is the equal of a king. Created using “hand-rendered mixed media,” the illustrations beautifully express the characters’ emotions. . . A rewarding read-aloud choice.
—Booklist
Yarlett’s text and images flow seamlessly together and are full of visual humor that will make for an engaging second read. . . Vibrant pinks, golds, and teals are made up of layered, hand-rendered mixed media drawings and collage, adding depth to a simple story about how even the most important people can be lonely. The drawings joyfully burst off the page in a puppet-like dance—movement begging to be copied by wiggling bodies at storytime.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
A charmer. The contrast between the miserable king whom we see in the opening pages and the happy one at the end is striking. Accompanied by hand-lettered text, the bold illustrations include several full-page depictions of King Lion searching for companionship. . . Sure to prompt reflection on what it means to be a friend.
—Kirkus Reviews
Promises to be an immediate hit with librarians, teachers and young readers everywhere. The prose lends itself well to a group read-aloud, giving plenty of opportunities to roar and expose those fearsome claws and jaws. This picture book would also provide a more intimate bedtime reading experience. . . . The illustrations are lively, colorful and provide many Easter eggs throughout the story that compel the reader to stop and pore over the background. . . . King Lion is a heartwarming story for the awfully fearsome and misunderstood creatures everywhere.
—Bookpage