In I Want a Lion!, a young boy wakes up one day to propose a crazy variety of animals as pets to his mother: a lion, a hippopotamus, an orangutan, a goat, and a parrot. The boy’s mother points out the drawbacks of each animal. The lion is dangerous. A hippo will get mud everywhere. An orangutan will break all glasses. A goat will eat his father’s underwear, both clean and dirty. A parrot is too noisy.

The boy rejects all of his mother’s suggestions: a stick insect, a goldfish, a hamster, a tortoise, a rabbit and a cat. Finally, they agree on a dog and go to the shelter to find a small dog that smells like flowery soap. Instead, the boy, triumphant in his real quest, finds a vibrant, furry bundle of joy.

I Want a Lion! is a hilarious tale of a boy’s machinations to get his mother to agree to a pet. Here, however, the illustrations almost steal the show in their vivid celebration of color. Together the words and illustrations make an irresistible combination. Beware, however: this book may to lead to interesting conversations about pets.

(Review originally posted on the Los Angeles Book Review and book donated to the Maltby Food Bank.)