KIDS
BOOK
REVIEW
Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back
This absurd, silly, and funny story about a
clueless lion will not just appeal to children,
but to any reader who may pick it up.First published in 1963, Shel Silverstein tells
us a tale of self-discovery and existentialism,
starring the lion Lafcadio, the best shot in the
world.Uncle Shelly, as the author of the book calls
himself, narrates the story of a wild, happy
lion, who learns to shoot back at hunters,
becomes a famous circus act, travels the
world, dances with beautiful women, goes
on beach vacations to Canes, paints, scuba
dives, and indulges in his intense love for
marshmallows.
Then why does he phone Uncle Shelly and
ask him to hurry over to his castle one night?
What goes on in Lafcadio’s heart and mind
that makes him abandon his opulent lifestyle
and walk into the sunset never to be heard of
again? At least not yet.This story can be used to talk to third graders
and above about finding one’s self, knowing
who one truly is, and understanding where
one’s roots lie. At the same time, it can also
be used to start a conversation about hunting
animals and what things would be like if the
tables were turned. And even if you do not
wish to peel back all the layers, it will keep
you laughing throughout!Tiger On A Tree
Anushka Ravishankar has been hailed the
Dr Seuss of India since she started writing
simple yet lovable stories for young children.Tiger on a Tree is perfect for young readers
who are just starting independent reading
and for parents who want to encourage a
fascination for words, sounds, and animals!The book has simple illustrations
accompanied by rhymes and bold lettering.
The use of just black, white, and orange
keeps the illustrations fresh and does not
distract from the clever use of sounds and
the flow of the story.The story follows a tiger that crosses a river
after a good hunt and finds himself on a tree.
The Villagers manage to capture him, and
the readers find themselves contemplating
the tiger’s fate, as the villagers discuss some
terrible options.Will they send him to a zoo? Will they stick him
up with glue? What will happen to the tiger?For those who want to teach children about
humane choices, kindness for all beings, and
respect for animals, as teachers or parents,
Ravishankar’s Tiger on a Tree, Catch that
Crocodile, and Elephants Never Forget are
perfects books to be read by—and read
to—a young audience.Reviewed By: Mannu Gujar - Your average, ordinary, everyday vegan.