Como esconder un león en navidad / How to Hide a Lion at Christmas

How to Hide a Lion #4

by Helen Stephens

A charming holiday picture book about a girl, her pet lion, and a Christmas adventure.

Iris and her lion go everywhere together. But when Christmas comes and the family is going away, Mum says the lion must stay behind. After all, you can't take a lion on a train. Luckily the lion has other ideas. He sets off on a festive, snowy adventure to find Iris—and almost bumps into Santa Claus!

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Animals, Holiday, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2020

About the author

Helen Stephens is the illustrator of a number of books for children. She is best known for her How to Hide a Lion series, which was adapted for the stage by the Polka Theatre. She has illustrated stories for some of her favorite authors, including Roger McGough, Michael Morpurgo, Sophie Hannah, Holly Webb, and Cecile Aubry. Helen Stephens lives on the windy coast of Northumberland, England, with her family.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a strange book, but it's still entertaining. A little girl named Iris wants to take her lion when her family goes to visit a relative at Christmas. But her parents say she can't. The lion stows away on the train to be with his friend... but he falls asleep and misses his stop. He must find a way back to Iris. Along the way, he encounters Santa Claus.

I haven't read any of the other books about Iris and her lion. At first, I wasn't sure whether this was supposed to be literal. But the fact that Iris has a lion toy suggests to me that the lion is imaginary, which makes the story even more charming.

Kids will probably enjoy the funny storyline about the lion getting lost, finding his way back, and meeting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It's an entertaining story for those who are looking for more strong holiday picture books.

Quotable moment:

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iris and her lion are the best of friends. Naturally, when it's time for the family to visit Aunt Sarah for the Christmas holidays, Iris expects for her lion to accompany them. But despite her best efforts to find a way for this to happen, nothing works, and he is left behind. At least that's what everyone thinks. But the bond between the two friends is so strong that the lion follows them and hides on the train. Readers will get a kick out of the illustrations that show him in various spots, hiding in plain sight, watching over Iris, stashed in the luggage rack where he takes a nap. His paw and the tip of his tail can be seen as the family disembarks from the train. Once the lion awakens and finds himself alone, he has to make his way through the snow to where Iris is staying. Along the way, he has an encounter with carolers and with Santa Claus. Although I'm not sure how he survived all that snow and those mishaps, I was glad to see Iris and her lion reunited. Young readers are sure to appreciate the love these two have for one another, so strong that Iris doesn't even care if her hungry lion devours the whole Christmas feast as shown in one of the final pages.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding unusual books out there that get overlooked on a book shelf. I believe this book is most likely one of them especially around Christmas. The illustrations in this book are colorful and kind of old school like. They are different then most books that you find for kids. The story-line is so sweet that I really want to go and find out more about Iris and her Lion. How did they come together and why wasn't she scared of him. Cassie loved this story and she giggled at the silly Lion looking for the little girl. But also when the lion meets Santa in a way. It's a cute story and perfect to check out for the Christmas holiday.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun holiday story that has quickly become one of our "go-to" read aloud stories. The pacing is perfect and children can relate to the idea of going away to visit relatives and often having to leave a pet at home - but a lion? We maybe not a lion, although this one (part of a series) is lovable and friendly. The illustrations have a "warm-retro picture book feel" which also adds to fun; and like so many great holiday picture books, there is an appearance by Santa Claus who helps solve part of the problem in the story. This is a great addition to the holiday book shelf in your library, the school library, or your library at home.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris wants to take her lion with her as her family travels to Auntie Sarah’s house for Christmas Eve. But her parents won’t let her. Even though her townspeople have accepted the lion, Auntie Sarah’s town will be afraid of the lion. And he couldn’t possibly ride on the train. So Iris leaves the house with a heavy heart. Her lion, not liking to see her unhappy, follows the family to the train station and sneaks onto the train. But lion falls asleep and Iris and her family get off the train without the lion seeing. How will her lion find Iris now?

[Joy Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful story about a girl and her pet lion, separated at Christmas time. It reminded me of a similar Clifford story, where he travels to find Emily Elizabeth on vacation. This book, however, had a warmer approach - I could feel the love coming off the page. It is hard to explain - just read it!

I stumbled upon this at our library, and I plan to purchase a copy for our Christmas collection. I did not realize it was part of a series, so the other books are on my to be read list!

[Ryn Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iris is going to be very lonely without her lion this Christmas when her family goes on vacation and leaves him behind. Undaunted, he sets off in search of her but when mishaps and misadventures befall him, he may need a little Christmas magic to find his way.

This is the second book of the series, so many kids will welcome the return of this unlikely duo. Those just being introduced will still enjoy the hijinks and even adults may crack a smile. Another good filler story to broaden your reading net. Three Stars.

[Rhiannon's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris' family is going to spend Christmas with her aunt, and her parents say she can't bring her pet lion along. Her lion, being quite resourceful, finds a way to come along anyway!

Picture Books - Ages 3+

Such a sweet story! I loved Iris' personality, and her lovely lion would be endearing to anyone. I was right along with the characters, feeling their fear, excitement, and suspense as the story unfolded.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup, charming it is. I am always looking for a new Xmas story my students have not heard before. Saving this one for my Kinders. We started the year with Library Lion so with How to Hide a Lion, How to Hide a Lion at School and this one, the lion theme is complete!

[Ilias Avramidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Πολύ όμορφη γιορτινή εικονογράφηση, με μία περιπέτεια που περιέχει αγάπη, χιόνια, ύπνο, ταξίδι με τρένο, κάλαντα και μια κρυφή ματιά στον Άη-Βασίλη, και στο τέλος ΠΙΤΣΑ! Ότι πρέπει για να σε βάλει σε Χριστουγεννιάτικο mood!

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know that this was the fourth in the series (had only read the first), but will be looking up the other two now! This is a really charming Christmas read with the lion's expressions making him extremely lovable!

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story of a pet lion that follows his friend to her family Christmas party to surprise her, falls asleep on the train, and tries to find her in a village. Elliot enjoyed this one a lot.

Read-aloud recommendation: Elliot liked it at 2. A bit long, so older toddlers and up

[Μαριλένα Pappa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Υπέροχη εικονογραφηση! Η ιστορία βέβαια δεν είχε κανένα από τα στοιχεία που μου αρέσουν σε ένα παιδικό βιβλίο: ούτε χιούμορ, ούτε πλοκή, ούτε μηνύματα. Επίπεδη και φλύαρη για να εξυπηρετήσει τις ανάγκες τις εικονογραφησης.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Desi Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE

[Lisa Reinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has the feel of a classic. "Down on his luck" lion. Funny.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky, cute and fun. Definitely an unlikely Christmas story but a fun addition to our collection.

[Lisa Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. I didn't realize it was part of a series. I like how Iris tries to hide the lion so she can take him along for Christmas.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not familiar with this series when I saw this book at my local indie. I'm happy I did - utterly charming and adorable. And the illustrations are wonderful! Funny and sweet.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln loves these Lion books.
Plan to read every one my library has.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute holiday story about a girl and her lion. I absolutely loved the vintage feel of the colorful, engaging illustrations.

[Fani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Έξυπνο και ανατρεπτικό.

[Laura Salas]

I'm now wishing for snow and a lion who loves me this much. :>)

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

just good fun!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool and up book about a girl whose family is visiting relatives for Christmas and must leave her pet lion behind. Both are sad and one has a surprise adventure.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same. Sweet.

[Tania Freitas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sencillo y entrañable. Una historia de amistad entre una niña y un león.

[Federica Miross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un cuento bellísimo sobre amistad y Navidad.

[Caroline K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Pretty well written, too!