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Roar for Reading
From New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry comes a moving picture book about a brave little lion who decides to speak out for stories by standing up to book banning.
Libraries and lions have a history so long no one’s quite sure how it began—maybe because books were once rare and needed fierce protectors? Still, it’s been a very long time since lions had to roar in the name of books. But when young Julius finds out that books are being banned at his local library, he becomes so filled with emotion that he ROARS!
Not all lions are librarians, but all librarians are lions in this inspiring tale of protecting the stories that connect us and defending books that hold ideas that can change the world.
Libraries and lions have a history so long no one’s quite sure how it began—maybe because books were once rare and needed fierce protectors? Still, it’s been a very long time since lions had to roar in the name of books. But when young Julius finds out that books are being banned at his local library, he becomes so filled with emotion that he ROARS!
Not all lions are librarians, but all librarians are lions in this inspiring tale of protecting the stories that connect us and defending books that hold ideas that can change the world.
Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ferry
53 books162 followersBeth Ferry is the author of the picture books Stick and Stone and Land Shark. Her family has cared for myriad pets, including two land sharks, a hedgehog, a blue-tongued skink, and a heap of hamsters, but her absolutely perfect pet is an English bulldog named Winston. She lives in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 10, 2025
Sad that we need picture books about book banning.
March 8, 2025
This book made me tear up a little. The story goes that a long time ago, lions were the guardians of books. They were strong and they roared, making them perfect for guarding things. They were also kind and generous and helped people find the best books. As libraries grew, so did the lions’ task of keeping books safe. One day, a library lion finds that some of her favorite books to lend out to people have been banned by the mayor. She has no choice but to take them off the shelves. Her son, Julius, asks what she is doing. And she explains. Julius thinks this is all terribly unfair and his anger soon turns into a roar. His mother channels her anger into one too. If they make enough noise, will the mayor hear and let the books come back to the library? This book includes ideas on how to fight censorship in your town or school.
Favorite quote: “They roared until they remembered what they were…and what they could do.”
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 363
Favorite quote: “They roared until they remembered what they were…and what they could do.”
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 363
November 19, 2025
Cute illustrations and overall good message about defending books, but a little heavy-handed and that one inclusion of "conservative" is going to immediately turn people off. Happy to have a book like this in the library though.
April 23, 2026
How fitting that I read this book during National Library Week. It's a perfect introduction for young children on the topic of book banning. Books are for everyone!
March 24, 2026
Although Andrew Joyner is a favourite illustrator of mine and the pictures were great, the text was pretty uninspiring.
August 29, 2024
A very important topic made easy to understand for children. I'm ready to roar haha
September 7, 2024
“Libraries are full of books and books are full of ideas.”
Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Andrew Joyner is a powerful picture book about book banning and speaking up for the freedom to read, in a story that children will relate to and understand. Ferry’s writing is relatable and effective. She has told a fun and engaging story that will captivate her readers. Joyner’s illustrations are sweet and whimsical. He used a soft color palette for the artwork, which was rendered digitally. End pages include an author’s note as well as ways in which readers can “roar,” or speak out about their right to read. If you are a book lover and wish to help children understand book banning and ways in which readers of any age can advocate for their right to read, pick up a copy of Roar for Reading. Highly recommended.
Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Andrew Joyner is a powerful picture book about book banning and speaking up for the freedom to read, in a story that children will relate to and understand. Ferry’s writing is relatable and effective. She has told a fun and engaging story that will captivate her readers. Joyner’s illustrations are sweet and whimsical. He used a soft color palette for the artwork, which was rendered digitally. End pages include an author’s note as well as ways in which readers can “roar,” or speak out about their right to read. If you are a book lover and wish to help children understand book banning and ways in which readers of any age can advocate for their right to read, pick up a copy of Roar for Reading. Highly recommended.
December 3, 2024
“The history of lions and libraries is long and curious.” When libraries were sacred, secret places full of scholarly types, lions were the self-appointed guardians, not afraid to roar when necessary to protect the valuable treasures kept inside. Over time, as libraries became bigger and more widespread, the lions’ role changed from fearsome guardians to friendly librarians, holding storytime and circulating books to all, and never roaring anymore. When Ms. Millicent, the lioness head of a public library that serves a diverse array of animal patrons, receives a letter saying certain books are dangerous, she marches right to the mayor’s office with her cub Julius in tow. But the mayor is resolute, and Millicent and Julius return to the library to begin the painful process of removing the books in question. Julius gets a strange feeling in his belly as he thinks about all his favorite books, and suddenly lets out an enormous ROAR! His mother comes running, and soon she is roaring too, along with all the other library patrons who “found the roar within themselves.” A much larger march back to town hall ensues, and the protest is successful. But Julius will never forget how to roar.
Roar for Reading is a love letter to the civic value of libraries, with a strong anti-censorship theme and a call to action. Even the youngest booklover understands that libraries are for everyone and contain books for all types of readers. Most will be outraged by the idea of removing books from the library shelves and will cheer on the sign-carrying, bullhorn-bearing marchers. Cute, cartoonish illustrations are full of funny details; readers will love the phrases on the protest signs as well as some of the library book titles. Grown-ups will appreciate those details as well, such as in the picture where Millicent is pulling the challenged books, many of the spines bear names of oft-banned authors such as ‘Atwood,’ ‘T. Morrison,’ and ‘Curato.’ An author’s note in the front explains book banning in very general, but child-friendly terms, and the last page provides a useful acronym - Recognize, Organize, Act, Respect - and refers readers to websites for the American Library Association and Banned Books Week. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Roar for Reading is a love letter to the civic value of libraries, with a strong anti-censorship theme and a call to action. Even the youngest booklover understands that libraries are for everyone and contain books for all types of readers. Most will be outraged by the idea of removing books from the library shelves and will cheer on the sign-carrying, bullhorn-bearing marchers. Cute, cartoonish illustrations are full of funny details; readers will love the phrases on the protest signs as well as some of the library book titles. Grown-ups will appreciate those details as well, such as in the picture where Millicent is pulling the challenged books, many of the spines bear names of oft-banned authors such as ‘Atwood,’ ‘T. Morrison,’ and ‘Curato.’ An author’s note in the front explains book banning in very general, but child-friendly terms, and the last page provides a useful acronym - Recognize, Organize, Act, Respect - and refers readers to websites for the American Library Association and Banned Books Week. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
September 25, 2024
Let your voices be heard! — It's a message, which rings so true through these pages and will have readers cheering right along at the end.
This one doesn't start with a main character, per say, but rather tells a fantastical tale about the beginning of libraries, where a lion keeps watch over borrowed books from a cave. It sets a lovely tone and lays a fitting atmosphere (a solemn-ish one with humorous undertones). From here, the evolution of the library (fantasy, of course) demonstrates future lions still running libraries, but in the sense that we know today. The lion librarian is friendly and calm, books over-flow on the shelves, and readers are everywhere...no longer roared at and controlled while borrowing. Plus, there's already an undertone of 'what happened to the fierce, roaring lion?' because, at least for us, he was somewhat missed...not that we want a fierce roaring lion when visiting a library, but the character is fun. Then, the main tale takes off with a twist around book banning. Yep, this lion librarian and the younger lion on the cover have a job to do to get favorite books back on those shelves.
The message is very clear and dances around book banning. Obviously, it takes a clear stance against it and demonstrates how readers no longer have access to their favorite books or those they would like to read. At the end, it also very briefly hits on how to go against banning. While the messaging is clear, the tale holds enough fantasy and fun to keep it from suffering under the weight of preaching. These animals are great, and it's enjoyable to cheer for them the whole way through.
The illustrations are very detailed and can be flipped through on their own to follow the story for those listeners, who aren't sure of their words yet. It makes a great read-aloud for classroom and group settings, especially when hitting themes such as book banning.
This one doesn't start with a main character, per say, but rather tells a fantastical tale about the beginning of libraries, where a lion keeps watch over borrowed books from a cave. It sets a lovely tone and lays a fitting atmosphere (a solemn-ish one with humorous undertones). From here, the evolution of the library (fantasy, of course) demonstrates future lions still running libraries, but in the sense that we know today. The lion librarian is friendly and calm, books over-flow on the shelves, and readers are everywhere...no longer roared at and controlled while borrowing. Plus, there's already an undertone of 'what happened to the fierce, roaring lion?' because, at least for us, he was somewhat missed...not that we want a fierce roaring lion when visiting a library, but the character is fun. Then, the main tale takes off with a twist around book banning. Yep, this lion librarian and the younger lion on the cover have a job to do to get favorite books back on those shelves.
The message is very clear and dances around book banning. Obviously, it takes a clear stance against it and demonstrates how readers no longer have access to their favorite books or those they would like to read. At the end, it also very briefly hits on how to go against banning. While the messaging is clear, the tale holds enough fantasy and fun to keep it from suffering under the weight of preaching. These animals are great, and it's enjoyable to cheer for them the whole way through.
The illustrations are very detailed and can be flipped through on their own to follow the story for those listeners, who aren't sure of their words yet. It makes a great read-aloud for classroom and group settings, especially when hitting themes such as book banning.
August 8, 2024
Review copy provided by publisher, however, all thoughts an opinions are my own.
In a time when book banning is a pressing issue, Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Andrew Joyner offers a valuable lesson for young readers. Read on for a spoiler-free review of Roar for Reading a new picture book published by Simon & Schuster.
Roar for Reading follows Julius, a brave little lion who takes a stand against book banning. Julius realizes that something is wrong when his mother (who is also the librarian) puts away some books, one of which is one of his favorite books! He accompanies his mother to meet with the Mayor who seems to support book banning. Julius along with his mother and tons of other library patrons begin speak up and fight for the freedom to read the books they choose to.
Roar for Reading is an engaging book that simplifies the complex issue of book bans into a story children can grasp, using bright and detailed illustrations and easy-to-digest text. I loved how the pages are filled with scenes that show how much a small group of people can create change. The scenes where the lions are roaring about banned books show signs that say “Reading is a Right” and similar messages that children will want to stop and look at.
Through its magical animal world, Roar for Reading not only educates children about the impacts of book banning but also empowers them to take action. The book teaches that standing up against injustice is important, and it provides children with practical ways to advocate for their right to read, such as using their voices or participating in marches.
In a time when book banning is a pressing issue, Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Andrew Joyner offers a valuable lesson for young readers. Read on for a spoiler-free review of Roar for Reading a new picture book published by Simon & Schuster.
Roar for Reading follows Julius, a brave little lion who takes a stand against book banning. Julius realizes that something is wrong when his mother (who is also the librarian) puts away some books, one of which is one of his favorite books! He accompanies his mother to meet with the Mayor who seems to support book banning. Julius along with his mother and tons of other library patrons begin speak up and fight for the freedom to read the books they choose to.
Roar for Reading is an engaging book that simplifies the complex issue of book bans into a story children can grasp, using bright and detailed illustrations and easy-to-digest text. I loved how the pages are filled with scenes that show how much a small group of people can create change. The scenes where the lions are roaring about banned books show signs that say “Reading is a Right” and similar messages that children will want to stop and look at.
Through its magical animal world, Roar for Reading not only educates children about the impacts of book banning but also empowers them to take action. The book teaches that standing up against injustice is important, and it provides children with practical ways to advocate for their right to read, such as using their voices or participating in marches.
September 27, 2024
First sentence: The history of lions and libraries is long and curious. No one knows exactly how or why the first lion came to the first library. It may have been because libraries were once small, and books were once rare. And who better to guard something rare and precious than someone who could roar?
Premise/plot: A lion and her cub are outraged to learn that some books are being banned from the library so they decide to roar to let their voices be heard.
My thoughts: Some books preach to the choir. This is one of those books. It is an agenda-driven book with a thinly-fleshed-out story attached. Labeling a book banned is essentially a way to get wider readership. It is free advertising for everyone concerned. I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps some books in print and circulation. In some ways, any PR is good PR. I mean merely that having a book on a banned book lists gets it readers that it might not otherwise get. It is essentially saying: read this book, you'll like it.
On the one hand, I don't like to read books with heavy-handed hammer-banging. On the other hand, I am not in support of banning books.
It is a complex issue with room for LOTS of confusion. It is a LAYERED subject that is often over-simplified. For example, I don't think it is recognized enough that it isn't just one group, one organization, one institution, one mindset, one worldview "doing" all the book "banning." ANYONE from ANY group, ANY individual can be an advocate for banning a specific book.
Premise/plot: A lion and her cub are outraged to learn that some books are being banned from the library so they decide to roar to let their voices be heard.
My thoughts: Some books preach to the choir. This is one of those books. It is an agenda-driven book with a thinly-fleshed-out story attached. Labeling a book banned is essentially a way to get wider readership. It is free advertising for everyone concerned. I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps some books in print and circulation. In some ways, any PR is good PR. I mean merely that having a book on a banned book lists gets it readers that it might not otherwise get. It is essentially saying: read this book, you'll like it.
On the one hand, I don't like to read books with heavy-handed hammer-banging. On the other hand, I am not in support of banning books.
It is a complex issue with room for LOTS of confusion. It is a LAYERED subject that is often over-simplified. For example, I don't think it is recognized enough that it isn't just one group, one organization, one institution, one mindset, one worldview "doing" all the book "banning." ANYONE from ANY group, ANY individual can be an advocate for banning a specific book.
October 12, 2024
Did you know that the first librarians were lions? They were the guardians. (Not really - but it makes for acute story!) Mama lion is a librarian in a town populated with a wide variety of animals. The mayor of the town - a smarmy looking toad or frog? - decides a LOT of the library books have to be removed from the shelves. Little lion is quite distressed and worries that at some point, their own books in their home won't be safe from the book banners. So - they protest! With lots of loud roars. Which leaves the mayor quaking in their little toady boots. And the books are returned to the library shelves.
If only it were so simple! I am not sure there has ever truly been a time when the ugly head of censorship has been completely vanquished. Perhaps we had grown a bit complacent. Because libraries, librarians, and the freedom to read are certainly under attack. It is time to find our own ROAR.
Recognize that books are being banned
Organize with others
Act
Respect everyone's right to read
If only it were so simple! I am not sure there has ever truly been a time when the ugly head of censorship has been completely vanquished. Perhaps we had grown a bit complacent. Because libraries, librarians, and the freedom to read are certainly under attack. It is time to find our own ROAR.
Recognize that books are being banned
Organize with others
Act
Respect everyone's right to read
October 9, 2024
I'm a children's librarian who is also a Christian and I love this book and its message of not banning books. This book is adorable but powerful, it's a reminder that those calling for book bans may be a loud minority, but those fighting for the right to read can also get loud and come together.
I believe libraries should be a place that reflects their community in the sense that people in the community should be able to see themselves reflected in the books found in a public library (no matter how much of a minority they are). Equally as important, I believe libraries should offer books that are different from the communities in which they are found. A book can be important because within it one person can see themselves reflected and so they feel seen and less alone; that same book can be a window for someone else, a way to glimpse into the life and mind of someone who is different from themselves (and so increase their empathy and understanding of that person).
I believe libraries should be a place that reflects their community in the sense that people in the community should be able to see themselves reflected in the books found in a public library (no matter how much of a minority they are). Equally as important, I believe libraries should offer books that are different from the communities in which they are found. A book can be important because within it one person can see themselves reflected and so they feel seen and less alone; that same book can be a window for someone else, a way to glimpse into the life and mind of someone who is different from themselves (and so increase their empathy and understanding of that person).
July 2, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Yes, it is another book about book bans, but I love that 1. It is about librarians and 2. Librarians are lions! I also love the building of community that this book creates with the center being librarians, libraries, and the right for everyone to read what interests them. It also explores the feelings involved around book bans and those, especially kids, who feel like it is not right and how to appropriately deal with those emotions through organization and action. This is a great book for all levels of kids to learn about book bans and perhaps put their voices behind stopping the wave of censorship.
Yes, it is another book about book bans, but I love that 1. It is about librarians and 2. Librarians are lions! I also love the building of community that this book creates with the center being librarians, libraries, and the right for everyone to read what interests them. It also explores the feelings involved around book bans and those, especially kids, who feel like it is not right and how to appropriately deal with those emotions through organization and action. This is a great book for all levels of kids to learn about book bans and perhaps put their voices behind stopping the wave of censorship.
April 29, 2026
It's sad that as a library employee I'm seeing more kids books about book banning these days, but it's also a good thing, because that way kids are able to make sense of when book banning happens in their community, and they have the tools to help fight it and support their libraries.
This was a cute, simple, though a bit heavy handed at times, picture book about a lion whose mom works at the library, and one day books are removed. There is also a bit of backstory in the beginning about how lions have been deemed guardians of the library for centuries. I also liked the back page where the author explained how kids could use their own ROAR to help fight book bans
This was a cute, simple, though a bit heavy handed at times, picture book about a lion whose mom works at the library, and one day books are removed. There is also a bit of backstory in the beginning about how lions have been deemed guardians of the library for centuries. I also liked the back page where the author explained how kids could use their own ROAR to help fight book bans
July 25, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Simon and Schuster through Edelweiss+.
The Lions find their roar when a book bans happen. Readers see that lions have been connected to libraries for generations. In this story, they became quiet librarians who made sure everyone was able to find books to read. Then the mayor bans an entire list of books. The head librarian goes to see him but is unable to change the mayor's mind. it is only when her son finds his roar that they organize and fight back to reclaim books that appeal to everyone. A timely story.
The Lions find their roar when a book bans happen. Readers see that lions have been connected to libraries for generations. In this story, they became quiet librarians who made sure everyone was able to find books to read. Then the mayor bans an entire list of books. The head librarian goes to see him but is unable to change the mayor's mind. it is only when her son finds his roar that they organize and fight back to reclaim books that appeal to everyone. A timely story.
October 7, 2024
ROAR stands for:
R: Recognize that there have been book bans and censorship in your school or town library.
O: Organize with other students, caregivers, and educators who understand that banning books is not the answer to any problem.
A: Act: Write letters to your school board or mayor. Attend school board meetings with your caregive, and ask that books not be banned.
R: Respect everyone's right to read what interests them.
Themes: animals, books/reading/libraries,
Ages: K-3rd grade+
Pub year: 2024
R: Recognize that there have been book bans and censorship in your school or town library.
O: Organize with other students, caregivers, and educators who understand that banning books is not the answer to any problem.
A: Act: Write letters to your school board or mayor. Attend school board meetings with your caregive, and ask that books not be banned.
R: Respect everyone's right to read what interests them.
Themes: animals, books/reading/libraries,
Ages: K-3rd grade+
Pub year: 2024
April 27, 2025
Love the illustrations, love the message and I love that ROAR is an acronym for what we can do to help libraries.
The only thing that was confusing was that it seemed like a part was missing between the rally and Julius’s mom handing him back the banned books. Like, I guess we can assume the rally worked but idk, just seems abrupt.
Also, love that this is upsetting people because of the ~agenda~ it has. Imagine thinking book bans are good💀😂 Kids NEED to know that this is happening and how to stand up to it.
The only thing that was confusing was that it seemed like a part was missing between the rally and Julius’s mom handing him back the banned books. Like, I guess we can assume the rally worked but idk, just seems abrupt.
Also, love that this is upsetting people because of the ~agenda~ it has. Imagine thinking book bans are good💀😂 Kids NEED to know that this is happening and how to stand up to it.
June 19, 2025
I enjoyed the idea of Librarians as Lions because they protect the library as well as "recommending books."
The illustrations are fun--lots of wild animals behaving as the library patrons and with little touches of humor in the use of book titles.
I think the author did a good job of explaining the pulling books off the shelves and preventing people from reading them by having Julius imagine what it would feel like to have the books that are meaningful to him be taken away.
The illustrations are fun--lots of wild animals behaving as the library patrons and with little touches of humor in the use of book titles.
I think the author did a good job of explaining the pulling books off the shelves and preventing people from reading them by having Julius imagine what it would feel like to have the books that are meaningful to him be taken away.
July 25, 2024
Thanks to Simon & Shuster for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This one hits close to home...all about book bans! The art style is really adorable and perfect, the writing is truthful and honest but opens up a good discussion between librarians and readers. I can see this book having some staying power for quite a while.
This one hits close to home...all about book bans! The art style is really adorable and perfect, the writing is truthful and honest but opens up a good discussion between librarians and readers. I can see this book having some staying power for quite a while.
September 11, 2024
ROAR FOR READING offers a child friendly discussion of book banning. Julius the lion is upset when some of his favorite books get removed from the bookshelf at the library. He feels a roar coming out and he just can't stop it. Soon everyone is roaring about books being banned. The book ends with respectful ways kids can ROAR themselves. A timely, well told story about an important issue.
Read
September 16, 2024It's certainly interesting to see book banning make its way into the picture book format. I think lions are a great representative of libraries not just for roaring, but doesn't the NY public library have lions in front of it? But the acronym they made up for ROAR was really smart, too. I liked how it showed that kids can get involved in this, too, if it matters to you.
September 28, 2024
Julius and his librarian mother are outraged that books are being banned from the library and so they decide to raise their voices and "roar". This is a great book for introducing the banning of books happening more and more frequently and empowering children (and adults) to know how to take a stand and let their voices "roar". A fantastic conversation starter on a difficult topic.
November 2, 2024
I appreciate the free book for my Little Free Library from Simon and Schuster. This book centers the fight against book banning in our libraries. I loved the illustrations. The story was very much a call to protest without much beyond that. I recommend it most as a means to explain book bans to children.
November 6, 2024
Age: Preschool+
Activism: Intellectual freedom, book banning, child participation
Animal: Lion
Community helper: Librarian
A plot-based book about finding the dormant ROAR inside of you to defend the right to read. Inspirational and supportive of the community helpers that open their doors to everyone.
Activism: Intellectual freedom, book banning, child participation
Animal: Lion
Community helper: Librarian
A plot-based book about finding the dormant ROAR inside of you to defend the right to read. Inspirational and supportive of the community helpers that open their doors to everyone.
August 16, 2025
I always have a bit of skepticism for books about libraries, librarians, books, and book activism. It's hard to feel like it's not self-serving, self-congratulatory, self-aggrandizing. But with all the censorship and book-hate going on, it's nice to see a book about a community that stood up for their books, even fictionally. This one was well done.
October 27, 2024
This book is like a love letter to libraries and librarians. It approached the topic of book banning in a child-friendly way and encouraged people to do something about it. As a children's librarian on the front lines of our current political climate, I greatly appreciate this picture book.
November 22, 2024
What a wonderful way of explaining what book banning and censorship is to a kid. They do a great job showing what it means to ban a book, and why we should NOT do this. I was super into how the librarians were all lions.
February 5, 2025
Perfect except for the description of a librarian's job as being "Reading and recommending books," which could generously be considered as an extreme oversimplification but is mostly a gross misrepresentation.
February 11, 2025
Yes, we all know this was written for me, the librarian who gets all fiery and loud over book bans. It's just in the form of a cute children's book. It's preachy and yelling into the echo chamber and it's stupidly hopeful, just like me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews