Lillian and Lionel product reviews

Miss Three was happy that one of the main characters in this story was a girl just like her. She is still at the age where anything is possible, so willingly accepted the idea of a pet cat becoming a lion - even if he did not want to and was quite happy to stay as he was. The cat, of course, is the other main character and he quite steals the limelight. Cats are known for having minds of their own, displaying selective deafness and a reluctance to go outside their comfort zone. Lionel is so happy being a cat and just doing his own thing that he gets annoyed when Lillian expects him to do what she wants and pushes back

David Johnstone's illustrations are delightful, full of movement and colour. Miss Three thought they were wonderful, and even Mr Six Months was impressed. Their parents liked the way the lines rhymed as the children could join in with the last word in each line. Or rather, Miss Three did; Mr Six Months tried but could not quite get the hang of it. The ending had Miss Three in fits of laughter; it was unexpected and extremely funny.

Both children found the book cover attractive. Lillian, with her chin in her hands and the dreamy expression implying that she is wondering what amazing things she can do, has appeal for any child who aims to go far. Imagination is boundless when you are very young, and there are no limits to curb your ideas. You can do whatever you want! Meanwhile, Lionel is blissed out, lying on his back with his legs in the air. He is happy just as he is; unlike Lillian, he has no need for anything more. This dynamic runs throughout the story as Lillian tries to enthuse Lionel with all sorts of different possibilities while he just ignores her!

My favourite part of the story is when Lillian is in the bath trying to make a loud roar while Lionel sits well away from the water, looking completely unimpressed. His expression shows that is not interested in roaring back. In fact, he has no intention of doing anything that Lillian wants him to do. Lionel makes his own decisions and does exactly what he likes. He is not interested in performing tricks just because Lillian wants him to.

What makes this story so appealing to adults as well as children is the authentic way in which Lillian and Lionel are depicted. Cats act like this in real life, not just in books. And so do children.