I'm Not Afraid Series: Don't Cry, Lion!

Don't Cry, Lion! pairs two greats in Christian children's literature. Author Dandi Daley Mackall has over 400 titles to her credit. Illustrator Elena Kucharik is best known as creator and lead illustrator for the Care Bears. She also illustrated the entire Little Blessings series and many more. Don't Cry, Lion! tells the story of Daniel in the lions' den. Using rhyming verse, the story is told from the point-of-view of a tiny lion. He introduces us to a mean lion, Big-Mouth Leo, and tells how frightened he is of him. Being stuck in the den with Leo and a number of other bully lions, the little guy remembers to pray. Just then Daniel is dropped into the pit. Before Leo can reach him, an angel appears and reprimands Leo. Daniel reminds the frightened, little lion: "That bully might be pretty big, but not as big as God." The book concludes with an application: "So when you meet a bully, who is twice the size of you ... Ask God to help you, too!" What I Like: The illustrations are fantastic! I also love the application. This is a different angle, one which kids can easily understand and apply. I like the different perspective. While the story takes some creative liberties, it does a great job making this story appeal to young readers. My daughter LOVES this book! We read it several times a day. What I Dislike: The angel claims Daniel showed Leo how to pray and that's why the lion kept his mouth shut. It seems to make Daniel's safety a result of the lion's decision rather than the protection of God. It's a very small detail, and considering the many other references to God, it detracts very little from the overall value of the book. Age Appeal: The publisher says 4-8, but I think even infants would enjoy this book. Overall Rating: Very Good. Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

Don't Cry Lion is an adorable tale with lilting rhyme, fantastic illustrations and a message rooted in the Bible. Parents and children will enjoy this book and it will quickly become a bedtime favorite! Toddlers will love to find the friendly frog on every page...look closely, he is always up to something related to the words on the page.

We now have the donkey book as well as Don't Cry, Lion and we love them both. I plan on buying all 4 books of this series. They rhyme and are super fast reads, but my 1 yr old as well as my 3 yr old love them! I love the lesson in the books too. You can't get a better book, great illustrations of the characters too!

My son is 2 years old & loves this book! He likes lions so that initially gets his attention. The illustrations are adorable & there are just enough words on each page. The book teaches children to look to God when they need help. I love it & my son does too. I'd like to get more from this series...