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The Lion And The Unicorn by Shirley Hughes
As Lenny's father goes off to fight in the second world war he gives his son a brass badge with a lion and a unicorn on it. Lenny keeps it with him when bombs are dropped on his street and when he has to be evacuated to a big house in the country. He misses his parents a great deal and the other children there and at school are spiteful in teasing him. But he finds a secret walled garden to escape to with a stone unicorn. Here he meets the wounded soldier Mick and learns again how hard it is to be brave. It is the unicorn who finally rescues him from his sadness and loneliness and proves itself to be his guardian angel by bringing his mother to him.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
8 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Hughes
370 books208 followersShirley Hughes is the illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books and has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She is the author-illustrator of DON'T WANT TO GO! and OLLY AND ME 1 2 3. She died at her home in London on the 25th of February, 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 2, 2020
Read this to my 3 oldest (4, 6, & 8 yr olds). They enjoyed it, but I’m not sure they understood all of it. The illustrations are lovely, and I appreciated how the author didn’t try to resolve all the issues the young boy was facing. Rather than tie everything neatly together, he had to learn character development and what bravery meant in his particular situation. All in all, a great message and well told.
January 27, 2019
The Lion and the Unicorn would be a good read for older children because it is full with descriptive words and complex vocabulary.
The book could be used in the classroom to help children understand about World War Two where the children had to be evacuated to the country.
The book could be used in the classroom to help children understand about World War Two where the children had to be evacuated to the country.
January 8, 2020
I was somewhat taken aback when I picked this up as a hold at the library and was presented with a picture book. I knew it was short but I thought it was a chapter book, especially considering the content - the London Blitz. The librarian asked me if I wanted to cancel the hold. Absolutely not! (she wonders about me sometimes.)
What a beautiful book. The theme, a young Jewish boy in wartime London is shipped off to the country as an evacuee only to be bullied there, mostly because of his faith. How he learns to cope and be brave is the gist of the story. For such a short book, the characters are well drawn and the illustrations are nearly unlike anything I have ever seen. Absolutely gorgeous, lush, in stunning color. Each page also has a black and white panel containing the text and a pen and ink drawing which relates to that particular page. Just a beautiful, well thought out book. In 64 short pages, the story managed to bring me to tears - something most current fiction is unable to do. I love this book.
What a beautiful book. The theme, a young Jewish boy in wartime London is shipped off to the country as an evacuee only to be bullied there, mostly because of his faith. How he learns to cope and be brave is the gist of the story. For such a short book, the characters are well drawn and the illustrations are nearly unlike anything I have ever seen. Absolutely gorgeous, lush, in stunning color. Each page also has a black and white panel containing the text and a pen and ink drawing which relates to that particular page. Just a beautiful, well thought out book. In 64 short pages, the story managed to bring me to tears - something most current fiction is unable to do. I love this book.
September 29, 2011
Poor Lenny Levi has no luck. First there is WWII. His father goes off to fight. London is bombed and Lenny is sent to stay in the country with people who didn't want a boy. The other kids are mean to him. He starts wetting the bed. His mother's letters stop coming. His only consolations are a statue of a unicorn in the garden and rare talks with a soldier who has lost his leg.
Parents may want to read this first to make sure it is not too sad or upsetting for their kids.
Parents may want to read this first to make sure it is not too sad or upsetting for their kids.
January 12, 2019
About WW2 - a good book because it helped me learn about evacuation and the Blitz.
Beautiful illustrations too.
Beautiful illustrations too.
October 26, 2022
A lovely, simple story of a child’s wartime experience. Levi’s story is a realistic and unsentimental one. The book’s illustrations bring the story to life.
October 26, 2012
The Lion and the Unicorn is a wonderfully illustrated story of Lenny Levi, a young boy who is evacuated to the countryside during World War Two. The world he knows is being decimated by bombs and the only link to his father who has left to fight the war is a brass badge with a lion and a unicorn on it. For his well-being, Lenny is made to part ways with his mother and live in a foster home in the countryside. From the off Lenny is an outsider in the home and is frequently taunted by the other children. During a lonely stroll Lenny comes across a secret garden with a unicorn statue and Mick, the wounded soldier. It is here with Mick that Lenny learns how to be brave and that unicorns can be equally as brave as lions. After some time of not receiving any letters from his mother, Lenny starts to lose hope. Dealing with the knowledge that his home in London has been torn apart, being uprooted into an unfamiliar setting and being parted from his mother and father leads Lenny to seek solace in the garden. Soon enough all ends well, and on a path leading towards the foster home is Lenny's mother, safe and well.
This picture book has just been read in Year 6 English, while year 6 may act as if they are above picture books they did in fact enjoy the story for the most part. The only downfall they could find was that the ending was a bit disappointing. In English lessons the children used features of the story to write their own dream sequences and to rewrite the ending. The children proved that they could empathise with the situation in which Lenny was placed and expressed their opinions on how they would feel if placed in such a scenario.
The Lion and the Unicorn is a great introduction to the study of the Second World War, but is in definite need for some 'grit' to keep the children engaged. In the next English lessons after half term we are moving on to 'Rose Blanche' by Ian McEwan, to provide the children with a contrast in ending.
This picture book has just been read in Year 6 English, while year 6 may act as if they are above picture books they did in fact enjoy the story for the most part. The only downfall they could find was that the ending was a bit disappointing. In English lessons the children used features of the story to write their own dream sequences and to rewrite the ending. The children proved that they could empathise with the situation in which Lenny was placed and expressed their opinions on how they would feel if placed in such a scenario.
The Lion and the Unicorn is a great introduction to the study of the Second World War, but is in definite need for some 'grit' to keep the children engaged. In the next English lessons after half term we are moving on to 'Rose Blanche' by Ian McEwan, to provide the children with a contrast in ending.
September 22, 2011
The Lion and the Unicorn tells the story of Lenny Levi, a young boy who is evacuated during the second world war. Lenny is frightened of so many things - of the falling bombs, of being parted from his mother, of the shadows in the night. He is an outsider because he is the only boy in his foster home in the country, because he is Jewish and doesnot eat bacon or attend morning prayers at school, and because he is from London. Furthermore, Lenny wets the bed and one of his fellow evacuees tells everybody at school. Poor Lenny can only find comfort in the badge that his father gave him of a lion and a unicorn, and from being in the secret garden of his new home. It is in this garden that Lenny meets someone who shows him that unicorns are as courageous as lions, and that Lenny is full of courage too. The courage to deal with every challenge that comes his way, even though it is sometimes the hardest and most painful thing to do.
This is a very touching story. Today's children can identify readily with Lenny and the issues that he is forced to confront, and through these shared experience can empathise with a boy who grew up in very difficult cicumstances. An excellent read aloud book with beautiful illustrations, I would recommend this book for children between the ages of 7 and 9, and especially for children learning about the experiences of children in the war.
This is a very touching story. Today's children can identify readily with Lenny and the issues that he is forced to confront, and through these shared experience can empathise with a boy who grew up in very difficult cicumstances. An excellent read aloud book with beautiful illustrations, I would recommend this book for children between the ages of 7 and 9, and especially for children learning about the experiences of children in the war.
December 22, 2020
Lion and the Unicorn the story of blitz lived by a child.
The name of the book this is “Lion and Unicorn”, it was wrote and illustrated by Shirley Hughes. The first version was published in 1998. But their is an other version published on 7 September 2000 by the publisher Red Fox. Shirley Hughes has received a lot of awards but I don't know if this book has won an award.
The main character name's Lenny, he lives with her mum because his father has gone at war. Lenny is an insecure child but his father’s badge, with lion and unicorn, cheers him up. One day the mother thinks it’s better for Lenny to go to the country to escape the bombing. In country side Lenny lives with 2 girls and the owners in a very big house.
I find this book rather good because it explains the pain of children who leave their parents. Even though this book is for children between 5 and 7 years old, but it's also interesting even for older children. This book is not full of action but it makes you want to help children who have lived through the war and nowadays find it difficult to live without their parents.
In this book, the most moving moment is the separation of Lenny and the mother, because it's mentally difficult time for a child.
The name of the book this is “Lion and Unicorn”, it was wrote and illustrated by Shirley Hughes. The first version was published in 1998. But their is an other version published on 7 September 2000 by the publisher Red Fox. Shirley Hughes has received a lot of awards but I don't know if this book has won an award.
The main character name's Lenny, he lives with her mum because his father has gone at war. Lenny is an insecure child but his father’s badge, with lion and unicorn, cheers him up. One day the mother thinks it’s better for Lenny to go to the country to escape the bombing. In country side Lenny lives with 2 girls and the owners in a very big house.
I find this book rather good because it explains the pain of children who leave their parents. Even though this book is for children between 5 and 7 years old, but it's also interesting even for older children. This book is not full of action but it makes you want to help children who have lived through the war and nowadays find it difficult to live without their parents.
In this book, the most moving moment is the separation of Lenny and the mother, because it's mentally difficult time for a child.
October 18, 2022
This book was written and illustrated by Shirley Hughes. While its original version was published in 1998, this version was published in 2000 and edited by Red Fox. It is a book for children.
Shirley Hughes won 2 Greenaway for "Dogger" (1977) and "Ella's Big Chance" (2003).
"The Lion and the Unicorn" mixes history and fiction. The story takes place during the Second World War, when England is bombed.
Lenny is a young boy living alone with his mother in London, his father having gone off to fight. One day to protect him from the bombing, Lenny's mother sends him to the countryside, to a big house with other children.
Lenny doesn't trust himself but he holds on thanks to the badge his father has given him and the letters his mother sends him.
I liked this book because it is a kind of testimony, it explains how children who were separated from their parents lived and the sadness they could feel.
Shirley Hughes won 2 Greenaway for "Dogger" (1977) and "Ella's Big Chance" (2003).
"The Lion and the Unicorn" mixes history and fiction. The story takes place during the Second World War, when England is bombed.
Lenny is a young boy living alone with his mother in London, his father having gone off to fight. One day to protect him from the bombing, Lenny's mother sends him to the countryside, to a big house with other children.
Lenny doesn't trust himself but he holds on thanks to the badge his father has given him and the letters his mother sends him.
I liked this book because it is a kind of testimony, it explains how children who were separated from their parents lived and the sadness they could feel.
August 9, 2011
This is a tearjerking and touching story that describes one aspect of life during WWII for the English. Parents were so desperate to save their children that they sent them off to the countryside to protect them from the daily bombing raids on London. But being torn away from parents took a toll on the children, too. This story explains one boy's story and has both a harsh reality and a dreamlike wonder to it. The story reminds me strongly of The Secret Garden and the illustrations complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
June 23, 2020
Lenny is living in London during World War II when his mother decides that it is unsafe and sends him to the countryside. There, Lenny deals with bullying and nightmares. He clings to a medal (of a lion and a unicorn) that his father gave him; and Lenny learns that there is more than one type of courage.
September 1, 2015
Really nice book but it really needs a new title.
Read
February 21, 2021About a young boy who is evacuated from London. Story is about how he learns to cope and be brave. Useful book when teaching about ww2
April 5, 2012
It's a beautiful story of courage.
May 16, 2025
It was a powerful journey for a young boy during the Second World War.
Lenny's father gave him a medallion of a lion and unicorn fighting.
He kept it with him at all times, waiting for his father's return.
The medallion was a reminder for him to remain brave.
Lenny's mother had worried that the city was no longer safe due to the bombs dropping nearby.
She decided to send her child to the country.
It would be difficult for them both to be separated.
Lenny was teased by the other children for wetting his bed.
The fear of being away from his family had taken its toll on the poor boy.
One day, while exploring the gardens at the grand house in the country that cared for him, he stumbled into an enclosed garden.
Lenny found a grand marble unicorn statue inside.
The peaceful place became his solitude with the unicorn statue looking over him.
He found a couple of friends at the manor.
One was the maid who helped him with the bed wetting by gifting Lenny an alarm clock, as well as fresh sheets.
The other was the young master of the manor, who returned from war.
He had lost a leg on a beach in France, yet he didn't let that slow him down from helping around the grounds where he could.
Lenny learned that one can be brave while being afraid.
Brilliant read and gorgeous visuals!
Lenny's father gave him a medallion of a lion and unicorn fighting.
He kept it with him at all times, waiting for his father's return.
The medallion was a reminder for him to remain brave.
Lenny's mother had worried that the city was no longer safe due to the bombs dropping nearby.
She decided to send her child to the country.
It would be difficult for them both to be separated.
Lenny was teased by the other children for wetting his bed.
The fear of being away from his family had taken its toll on the poor boy.
One day, while exploring the gardens at the grand house in the country that cared for him, he stumbled into an enclosed garden.
Lenny found a grand marble unicorn statue inside.
The peaceful place became his solitude with the unicorn statue looking over him.
He found a couple of friends at the manor.
One was the maid who helped him with the bed wetting by gifting Lenny an alarm clock, as well as fresh sheets.
The other was the young master of the manor, who returned from war.
He had lost a leg on a beach in France, yet he didn't let that slow him down from helping around the grounds where he could.
Lenny learned that one can be brave while being afraid.
Brilliant read and gorgeous visuals!
Read
January 12, 2022"The Lion and the Unicorn" was written by Shirley Hughes. This book is addressed to children and young people. This a fantasy book with lots of supernatural creatures. This story is a bit sad; it is about a boy during the war. It deals with friendship, family and war.
The story is written through the eyes of a young boy. It's a story of a child who went to boarding school because, during the war, his dad went to the frontline and his mom could not take care of him. The name of the boy is Lenny. Lenny's dad gave him a badge with a lion and an unicorn. Lenny met a strange man and strange creatures...
Our favorite part is the bit when Lenny has a runaway to know the truth because there was a lot of suspense. However, according to us, many parts aren't really intersesting to understand the story.
The story is written through the eyes of a young boy. It's a story of a child who went to boarding school because, during the war, his dad went to the frontline and his mom could not take care of him. The name of the boy is Lenny. Lenny's dad gave him a badge with a lion and an unicorn. Lenny met a strange man and strange creatures...
Our favorite part is the bit when Lenny has a runaway to know the truth because there was a lot of suspense. However, according to us, many parts aren't really intersesting to understand the story.
December 12, 2019
This book is entitled "The Lion and the Unicorn". It was written by Shirley Hughes and it was published in 1998.
This is the story of a little boy during WWII. Her dad gives him a badge with a lion which represents England and a unicorn to represent the bravery. Soon Lenny is evacuated from a big house to the countryside. Here he meets Mick, a wounded of the war. The children learn a secret story about this place. So he goes on an adventure for become brave.
My opinion: This book is more for children. They like to read this story. Me I'm teenager, I search to actions, battles and a tragic story. But the pictures are very touchy and beautiful. It render the reading soothing and understandable. I put 4 stars for the pictures and beceause I recommend this book for children !
This is the story of a little boy during WWII. Her dad gives him a badge with a lion which represents England and a unicorn to represent the bravery. Soon Lenny is evacuated from a big house to the countryside. Here he meets Mick, a wounded of the war. The children learn a secret story about this place. So he goes on an adventure for become brave.
My opinion: This book is more for children. They like to read this story. Me I'm teenager, I search to actions, battles and a tragic story. But the pictures are very touchy and beautiful. It render the reading soothing and understandable. I put 4 stars for the pictures and beceause I recommend this book for children !
November 23, 2020
Shirley Hughes is an author and illustrator for children's books. Her famous books are "Dogger" and "Ella's Big Chance". With all the books she has written, she won the Kate Greenaway Medals for British children's book illustration.
The "Lion and the Unicorn" is a fantastic book who takes place in London during the Second World War. We see the story of Lenny Levi, a little boy. He was forced to leave his mom to go in a host house with two girls "Joyce" and "Patsy".
In this house, Lenny is gonna find a little garden where there is a statue of a unicorn.
One night, Lenny wanna leave the house, and refind his mother...
I find this book boring and disapointing
If you like short books you would like this one.
September 20, 2018
This book is set during the second world war and our main character, Lenny, is sent by his mother to a house in the country for safety. Lenny treasures a brass badge, depicting a lion and a unicorn, given to him by his father who is away fighting in the war. It's a story about separation and loneliness, but also bravery and courage. References to the badge and the lion and unicorn are sprinkled throughout the story.
I particularly like the descriptive language Shirley Hughes uses in this story; 'barley - sugar shapes', 'wrapped in haze' and the 'whole night seemed to be breathing, purring, growling'... The illustrations are beautiful, expressive and emotive.
I particularly like the descriptive language Shirley Hughes uses in this story; 'barley - sugar shapes', 'wrapped in haze' and the 'whole night seemed to be breathing, purring, growling'... The illustrations are beautiful, expressive and emotive.
December 12, 2019
The book is about a child who has a father at war he must leave his mother and London because ofa bombing and a fire. He goes to a host family.
How does he live without his mother ?
Who is this mystery Mich ?
What does this badge mean to him?
This is realistic history , she is moving and touching. it is a good book !
it's a new point of view of the war
It's amazing happy end.
The author is Shirley Hughes ,it waspublished in 1998
How does he live without his mother ?
Who is this mystery Mich ?
What does this badge mean to him?
This is realistic history , she is moving and touching. it is a good book !
it's a new point of view of the war
It's amazing happy end.
The author is Shirley Hughes ,it waspublished in 1998
May 9, 2019
I didn't find this book very interesting. "The Lion and the Unicorn" is a book for kids with a very long and annoying story. I didn't like the main character because he wets his bed in spite of being endearing. And yet, the book is moving because the boy is searching for his mother and finds her in the end. Wonderful Lenny !
November 5, 2023
This is what quality children's books are made of! Beautiful illustrations and a moving story that engaged my children of various ages and left me choked up at the end. What a beautiful message of different kinds of courage and the real struggle of a boy trying to cultivate it in the face of his trials.
July 21, 2019
A young boy struggles when he is evacuated during WWII.
I thought this was a simple and effective story.
Reading time around thirty minutes.
I thought this was a simple and effective story.
Reading time around thirty minutes.
January 21, 2020
Everyone should read this
February 14, 2020
Timeless Shirley Hughes illustrations
July 28, 2020
Looking forward to using this as the ‘class text’ for English during our World War 2 topic.
November 15, 2020
The Lion And The Unicorn is a great book to read.
March 9, 2019
Read it with my class for our topic on WW2. Thought provoking but a bit lacking in character and charm for a kids book.
September 12, 2013
‘The Lion and the Unicorn’ is based on the experiences little Lenny Levi faces when he is evacuated from the city (to the countryside) during World War II. The Lion is a brilliant portrayal of Lenny’s fears. The Lion is a powerful animal which looks set to overpower Lenny...
Most children these days will struggle to relate to Lenny. The book, ‘The Lion and the Unicorn’, was set during WWII and so many of the problems Lenny encountered are an alien concept to us, thankfully.
In saying this, the students can take note of the courage and bravery Lenny had to overcome even the most powerful of animals, the lion. Lenny did this with the help of his Unicorn-represented by those closest to him. This is such an important lesson for our students to learn, not to give up hope.
This book provides a great insight the life of evacuees and the sort of hardship they had to go through. This book will be put to great use in English and/or History lessons for Year 5s and 6s.
Most children these days will struggle to relate to Lenny. The book, ‘The Lion and the Unicorn’, was set during WWII and so many of the problems Lenny encountered are an alien concept to us, thankfully.
In saying this, the students can take note of the courage and bravery Lenny had to overcome even the most powerful of animals, the lion. Lenny did this with the help of his Unicorn-represented by those closest to him. This is such an important lesson for our students to learn, not to give up hope.
This book provides a great insight the life of evacuees and the sort of hardship they had to go through. This book will be put to great use in English and/or History lessons for Year 5s and 6s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews