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The Happy Lion

Roger Duvoisin Louise Fatio

$16.99

Paperback

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English
Scallywag Press
01 June 2020
Series: The Happy Lion
Age range 3 to 6

A friendly lion pays an unexpected call on the townspeople, but comes to realise he is happiest at home.

The lion at the little French zoo is a favourite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him titbits and say, 'Bonjour, Happy Lion.' Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbours in return. But, wait — sacré bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror?

Even if the townspeople are too frightened to cope, the Happy Lion's friend Francois saves the day and leads the Happy Lion home.

'Genuine mid-century styling will appeal to art lovers as well as the nostalgia market. The lion is drawn with great sensitivity and Duvoisin's tawny palette is pleasingly appropriate.' — Books for Keeps 

'Duvoisin's illustrations are exceptional.'  — The Times

Teachers' notes available here

By:  
Illustrated by:   Roger Duvoisin
Imprint:   Scallywag Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 270mm,  Width: 216mm,  Spine: 5mm
Weight:   200g
ISBN:   9781912650132
ISBN 10:   1912650134
Series:   The Happy Lion
Pages:   32
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  0-5 years
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Author Website:   http://www.scallywagpress.com/docs/AnneDuvoisin_Article.pdf

Roger Duvoisin was born in Geneva in 1900. He studied at the Ecole National Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. His first job was designing scenery, making textiles, and painting murals. He married Louise Fatio, another artist from Switzerland. In 1927 they moved to New York City. Duvoisin wrote and illustrated forty books, and illustrated over 100 more by other authors. In 1947 he won the Caldecott Medal for White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt and in 1966 their Hide and Seek Fog won a Caldecott Honor. The Happy Lion was the first book created together by Duvoisin and his wife Louise and it won the inaugural German Children's Book Prize in 1956.

Reviews for The Happy Lion

'This classic from 1954 has been reprinted, and not before time... Duvoisin's illustrations are exceptional, and his big-picture format would make a roaringly good present for a summer birthday.' The Times;'The timeless narrative, gentle humour, tender friendship between the lion and Francois, and the delightfully characterful illustrations are a reminder why this book is still a firm family favourite and make it the ideal gift for a new generation of readers.' Lancashire Evening Post;'A beautifully illustrated, beautifully presented work. Full marks.' Norther Scotland Papers;'Louise Fatio's timeless tale about friendship still sparkles and Roger Duvoisin's elegant illustrations are as engaging as ever' School Library Journal;`Roger Duvoisin's whimsical illustrations, in lion-like colours of tawny yellow and orange, remain irresistible.' The Washington Post


  • Runner-up for Caldecott Honor 1966
  • Winner of Caldecott Medal 1947
  • Winner of German Children's Book Prize 1956

See Also