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When Your Lion Needs a Bath
Named the Best Board Book of 2017 by Parents magazine
When your lion needs a bath, you have to be pretty sneaky! This charming and hilarious board book highlights the many ways to get your lion into that tub!
Does your lion need a bath? When your lion needs a bath, you must be a little sneaky. After all, have you ever met a cat who likes water? So gather up your towels and rubber ducks and get that lion into the tub! But be careful…or you just might end up in the bath, too!
When your lion needs a bath, you have to be pretty sneaky! This charming and hilarious board book highlights the many ways to get your lion into that tub!
Does your lion need a bath? When your lion needs a bath, you must be a little sneaky. After all, have you ever met a cat who likes water? So gather up your towels and rubber ducks and get that lion into the tub! But be careful…or you just might end up in the bath, too!
26 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 2017
About the author
Susanna Leonard Hill
39 books105 followersSusanna is the New York Times Bestselling Author of MOON'S FIRST FRIENDS: ONE GIANT LEAP FOR FRIENDSHIP, and the award-winning author of over 25 more books for children, including PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS, CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP, and the popular WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH series. Her books have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese. Susanna lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with her children and her two rescue dogs. She loves chocolate, animals, and being outdoors.Please visit her website at www.susannahill.com and "Like" Susanna Leonard Hill on Face Book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 30, 2017
"Uh-Oh someone's smelly! Does your lion need a bath?" This delightful board book by Susanna Leonard Hill, illustrated adorably by Daniel Wiseman, includes all the bath-time antics, including the art of persuasion. No easy task when your stinky friend is a big cat! Leonard reminds us that cats don't love water...and they're quick! My favorite trick: bribery...something that Leonard and Wiseman illustrate well with a humongous caramel-covered, peanutty-buttered sundae. WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH has the tone and circular style of IF YOU GIVE YOUR MOUSE A COOKIE, the classic by Laura Numeroff, and it's sure to become a favorite read aloud at bath time! Looking forward to reading more in this series!
July 16, 2017
When Your LION Needs a Bath, written by Susanna Leonard Hill and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman is a delightful story for little ‘uns.
The first thing you’ll notice, besides When Your Lion Needs a Bath being a board book, is the vivid comical illustrations in this little book. On the front cover is a lion dripping beside a bubble-filled bathtub. He is looking a little disgruntled. Now you know bath time was a challenge.
Inside it starts out with the lion looking very happy, very dirty but very happy about it. The instructions begin with the warning that to give your lion a bath you must be a little sneaky. There are several failed attempts at tricking the lion into a prepared bubble bath; however, the little boy who is intent on getting him in there does not give up. He’s prepared for almost anything.
Children will giggle over the illustrations that show the lion dizzy from chasing a toy mouse ’round and ’round, getting tangled in a ball of yarn, and always managing to escape the bath somehow.
Here is where author Susanna Leonard Hill‘s love of desserts, especially with chocolate in them, comes into play … try tempting your lion with a tasty treat such as … a brownie banana butterscotch berry marshmallow strawberry-smothered caramel-covered peanutty-buttered double-dip chocolate-chip triple-whipped jelly-bean sundae supreme. Oh My! Daniel Wiseman‘s illustration for this one makes the reader want to start off to the ice-cream store!
When the right idea is hit upon, bathtime is quickly accomplished, until … 😉 I’ll just say it’s a funny ending.
This story is not written in little words, or only three or four per page. It is written to be read to little ones. The bold-coloured, uncomplicated illustrations have definite child appeal so the child can thoroughly appreciate what is being told. Later, when learning to read, it will be fun for children to figure out the bigger words through remembering the story while feeling accomplished with the easier words. In short, this story is for everyone.
When Your LION Needs a BATH is one of the first two books of a series called WHEN YOUR … books.
The first thing you’ll notice, besides When Your Lion Needs a Bath being a board book, is the vivid comical illustrations in this little book. On the front cover is a lion dripping beside a bubble-filled bathtub. He is looking a little disgruntled. Now you know bath time was a challenge.
Inside it starts out with the lion looking very happy, very dirty but very happy about it. The instructions begin with the warning that to give your lion a bath you must be a little sneaky. There are several failed attempts at tricking the lion into a prepared bubble bath; however, the little boy who is intent on getting him in there does not give up. He’s prepared for almost anything.
Children will giggle over the illustrations that show the lion dizzy from chasing a toy mouse ’round and ’round, getting tangled in a ball of yarn, and always managing to escape the bath somehow.
Here is where author Susanna Leonard Hill‘s love of desserts, especially with chocolate in them, comes into play … try tempting your lion with a tasty treat such as … a brownie banana butterscotch berry marshmallow strawberry-smothered caramel-covered peanutty-buttered double-dip chocolate-chip triple-whipped jelly-bean sundae supreme. Oh My! Daniel Wiseman‘s illustration for this one makes the reader want to start off to the ice-cream store!
When the right idea is hit upon, bathtime is quickly accomplished, until … 😉 I’ll just say it’s a funny ending.
This story is not written in little words, or only three or four per page. It is written to be read to little ones. The bold-coloured, uncomplicated illustrations have definite child appeal so the child can thoroughly appreciate what is being told. Later, when learning to read, it will be fun for children to figure out the bigger words through remembering the story while feeling accomplished with the easier words. In short, this story is for everyone.
When Your LION Needs a BATH is one of the first two books of a series called WHEN YOUR … books.
December 30, 2017
When your lion is smelly, it is definitely time to give it a bath. But lions don’t like water, so an unnamed narrator advises a young boy on the need to be pretty sneaky to get him in a tub. So the tub filled with bubbly water, lots of bath toys and try your best to trick your lion to get in the tub. Kids will no doubt laugh at the tricks and bribes used to finally get the lion bathed, but make sure all the doors in the house are closed, or uh-oh, you will have to start all over again. Kids are sure to recognize themselves in there two humor books, even if the tables are turned and the kids in the story become the caretakers. Wiseman’s illustrations are a playful here as in the companion book above.
July 10, 2017
Pets of all shapes and sizes can get stinky and dirty at times and it is your job to make sure they get clean. The usual course of action is a bath, but, what do you do when your pet is a lion?
In Susanna Leonard Hill's new release, When Your Lion Needs A Bath, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, there are many creative ideas of just how to get that lion clean. And when a practical approach just won't do, a whole new adventure begins.
Just be sure to have plenty of towels on hand!
A great read to share with those less fond of bath time at your house!
When Your Lion Needs A Bath is available everywhere online, at https://merrittbooks.com/ and at your favorite indie bookstore.
#whenyour books
In Susanna Leonard Hill's new release, When Your Lion Needs A Bath, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, there are many creative ideas of just how to get that lion clean. And when a practical approach just won't do, a whole new adventure begins.
Just be sure to have plenty of towels on hand!
A great read to share with those less fond of bath time at your house!
When Your Lion Needs A Bath is available everywhere online, at https://merrittbooks.com/ and at your favorite indie bookstore.
#whenyour books
June 30, 2017
This is such a cute little book! It's a quick read, it's funny, and it's perfect to read aloud to a young child or have a little bit older child read on his/her own. The illustrations are adorable and fun and go hand in hand with the story. Don't let the fact that it's a board book fool you-I could see this being used in classrooms to get the ideas flowing to get kids writing or to practice reading with expression. It would be a great gift for a new parent or young reader.
I had a chance to read an early copy of this and another title in the series, WHEN YOUR ELEPHANT HAS THE SNIFFLES, in exchange for an honest review.
I had a chance to read an early copy of this and another title in the series, WHEN YOUR ELEPHANT HAS THE SNIFFLES, in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2017
Everyone knows that lions are overgrown pussycats, so how would you give a gigantic water-fearing feline a bath? The young protagonist in this hilarious board book devises some clever methods to lure the lion into the tub (my favorite is a ginormous sundae supreme featuring everything but the kitchen sink). When the persistent boy is finally successful, he realizes that he made a crucial error...oh, no! Your own muddy kids will enjoy splashing in the bathtub as you read them this zany story with an unexpected twist at the end.
July 3, 2017
What would you do if your lion needed a bath? Find out how one sneaky little boy tries to trick his lion into getting in the tub. I love the bright illustrations by Daniel Wiseman, and the clever antics Susanna Leonard Hill includes (such as tempting the lion with tasty treats like brownie banana . . . jelly-bean sundae supreme!). And the twist ending is a delightful surprise. Young readers will want to come back to this story at bath time or any time again and again!
July 11, 2017
I loved this story! It was hilarious when the main character had to find ways to get his lion to take a bath. My favorite part was how simple it really was to eventually get the lion into the bathtub.
I also loved the surprise ending! It was perfect for this book. This book is definitely for any kid who has ever had to give his/her pet a bath.
The illustrations were fabulous. The bright, colorful pictures kept my eyes searching for all the things on the pages.
I also loved the surprise ending! It was perfect for this book. This book is definitely for any kid who has ever had to give his/her pet a bath.
The illustrations were fabulous. The bright, colorful pictures kept my eyes searching for all the things on the pages.
July 11, 2017
Does your lion need a bath? Of course he does! But how are you going to get him into the tub, after all, cats HATE water? Such is the premise of Susanna Hill's board book, a hilarious look at bath time struggles. Illustrator Daniel Wisemans' adorable little boy must use his creativity to trick toddler-like lion into the tub. Hill's surprise ending will delight little readers, who will undoubtedly want to read the book over and over again.
June 29, 2017
Cats can be reluctant around water, so bath time is an issue. If your cat happens to be a lion – it’s an even bigger, more difficult issue. Susanna Leonard Hill and Daniel Wiseman bring us plenty of giggles in this story of a bright, determined little boy taking on the task of bathing his smelly lion. Many tricks and tries later, the job is done. Or is it?
July 5, 2017
Such a cute story...I love all the tricks the little boy does to try and get the lion in the tub.
The illustrations are adorable and the quality of the board book looks like it will last through a lot of readings.
As a former teacher, I could see teachers using this book as a model for a writing activity. When Your XXXX Needs A Bath and then let the kiddos write their own story using this book as the model.
I love that the lion gets a bath, but there is a twist in the end.
The illustrations are adorable and the quality of the board book looks like it will last through a lot of readings.
As a former teacher, I could see teachers using this book as a model for a writing activity. When Your XXXX Needs A Bath and then let the kiddos write their own story using this book as the model.
I love that the lion gets a bath, but there is a twist in the end.
July 7, 2017
This story had me laughing and nodding the whole way through! Such a fun story about what to do when your Lion needs a bath. I may have taken a few notes to use later on! You pretty much can't go wrong with a Susanna Leonard Hill book! (And not to leave out the illustrator, Daniel Wiseman, the pictures were SO FUN!! They built up the humor and story even more.) Such a well done book!
July 11, 2017
Cute book for the younger set. Gives tricks and tips for when your lion is dirty and smelly (and after all he IS a cat) and needs a bath. Text and illustrations are simple and fun and meant for many readings.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
July 1, 2017
This book had me and my seven year old son laughing out loud. The story is clever, with hilarious illustrations and a fun storyline. Tricking a lion into taking a bath is a challenge that the cute little boy in the story tackles with perseverance! Complete with a twist ending, this story is a perfect read aloud that you will want to read-aloud over and over again!
July 15, 2017
This book packs a ton of fun.
Your lion needs a bath. Yes, a full-fledged teeth-baring lion covered in dirt and twigs and more. Too bad the lion hates bathes, which means you have to get sneaky about it. The suggestions and advice are worth their weight in gold for all those lion owners out there.
The thick, sturdy pages make this a book for small hands and ready to encounter a few bumps, drops and smudges. The cover is bright and introduces the problem from the get-go. The lion needs a bath, and although he has the looks of a real lion, he's actually quite tame. Just water shy. The antics are smile and giggle worthy as suggestions are given on how to get that lion into the tub. Words are kept at a minimum and playfully chosen, keeping the action and humor high.
Bright colors make up the simple illustrations, which still hold enough detail to have young eyes coming back again and again. The pictures accompany the words while also adding the right punch to the tale.
In other words, this is a fun read great for young listeners. . .and they'll be more than capable of bathing their own lion after reading this. Maybe.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this book so much that I wanted to share my honest thoughts.
Your lion needs a bath. Yes, a full-fledged teeth-baring lion covered in dirt and twigs and more. Too bad the lion hates bathes, which means you have to get sneaky about it. The suggestions and advice are worth their weight in gold for all those lion owners out there.
The thick, sturdy pages make this a book for small hands and ready to encounter a few bumps, drops and smudges. The cover is bright and introduces the problem from the get-go. The lion needs a bath, and although he has the looks of a real lion, he's actually quite tame. Just water shy. The antics are smile and giggle worthy as suggestions are given on how to get that lion into the tub. Words are kept at a minimum and playfully chosen, keeping the action and humor high.
Bright colors make up the simple illustrations, which still hold enough detail to have young eyes coming back again and again. The pictures accompany the words while also adding the right punch to the tale.
In other words, this is a fun read great for young listeners. . .and they'll be more than capable of bathing their own lion after reading this. Maybe.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this book so much that I wanted to share my honest thoughts.
November 1, 2020
Quite fun and funny. Plus the lion often becomes a kitty, so that’s very good. “Bubble! SPLASH!” Yep, Rowan’s way into it. Plus anything with a ball and a truck sighting is Rowan-approved.
June 1, 2023
My three year old loves this book. It’s short, cute, and funny. The illustrations are great. My kiddos really been into “funny books” and this one fits the bill!
June 28, 2017
How do you convince your lion, who isn’t wild about water, to take a bath? Susanna Leonard Hill’s book, When Your Lion Needs a Bath, offers imaginative and hilarious ways to entice your reluctant lion to water and make him bathe. It is an enjoyable reading romp with a surprise ending.
August 28, 2017
This is a fun and imaginative book to read. Told in a conversational tone as a "how-to" book, the text and illustrations complement each other so well. This is a book parents and kids will want to reread again and again.
January 14, 2019
So cute - especially hearing my 7 year old read it aloud to our favorite little 10 month old baby. It's got some fun suprises in it!
August 8, 2017
At the moment only available in boardbook but would be a great story time book if it was a picture book format.
August 5, 2017
This book is adorable. Every child will adore this cute board book! A Good Read!!
July 11, 2017
I love the idea for this board book. The story begins with the fact that you happen to have a lion, and your lion needs a bath. How fun! Then you're given various suggestions for luring your big kitty into the bathtub. Of course, giving a lion a bath is not an easy task. When Your Lion Needs a Bath is a charming little book both kids and adults can enjoy together. I look forward to reading more in this delightful series.
July 11, 2017
When your lion needs a bath, you need to be very sneaky! But really, aren't lions just big cats? But wait! Cats don't like water, do they? This clever and charming book leads your little ones through the trials, tribulations, and hysterics of bathing a lion. Ms. Hill's voice and story along with adorable illustrations by Daniel Wiseman, make a book that children will want to read over and over.
August 16, 2017
Read this with my four-year-old great niece and we both thought it was great fun!
August 8, 2017
A humorous how-to manual of sorts for guiding young listeners in bathing their pet Lion. Toddler and PreK.
September 23, 2017
Hill, Susanna Leonard When Your Lion Needs a Bath Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman BOARD BOOK Little Simon, 2017. $7.99 Content: G.
When your pet lion needs a bath you need to be pretty tricky. First, you prepare the bath for him. Then you have to try different ways of getting him in the bath without him knowing. Eventually, you will get him in the tub. But it’s possibly he will quickly get dirty again.
This board book has adorable illustrations. The ideas to get the lion into the bath are creative and cute. There is anywhere between 2-4 sentences per page spread.
PREK – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
When your pet lion needs a bath you need to be pretty tricky. First, you prepare the bath for him. Then you have to try different ways of getting him in the bath without him knowing. Eventually, you will get him in the tub. But it’s possibly he will quickly get dirty again.
This board book has adorable illustrations. The ideas to get the lion into the bath are creative and cute. There is anywhere between 2-4 sentences per page spread.
PREK – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
September 7, 2017
If you think the idea of a child owning a lion is funny, wait till you read about getting the "kitty" clean. Susanna Leonard Hill does a wonderful job at writing the antics of a young boy and his lion at bath time. The imaginative tricks used by the boy were very entertaining. The colorful illustrations, by Daniel Wiseman, complement the story well and add to the charm. Although it is a short story, this would be a great book for reading to a little one before bed or even to a group in class.
September 6, 2017
This book teaches kids about the habits of lions and cats and the different ways to trick one into a bathtub. It is amusing and the art is fun.
December 8, 2025
Does your lion need a bath? Of course he does! But how are you going to get him into the tub, after all, cats HATE water? Such is the premise of Susanna Hill's board book, a hilarious look at bath time struggles. Illustrator Daniel Wisemans' adorable little boy must use his creativity to trick toddler-like lion into the tub. Hill's surprise ending will delight little readers, who will undoubtedly want to read the book over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews