An Aslan for picture book readers: The Snow Lion

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

“Love is essential; gregariousness is optional.”

— Susan Cain (Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking)I’ve recently finished listening to the audio version of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. 

A friend (who’s introverted) recommended it. I always knew I had introvert qualities (why else would I be happy working by myself day in day out?) but I hadn’t realised the extent to which I fit the mould.

Quiet covers introversion’s ‘cousins - sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness’ As I listened, the more enlightened and affirmed I felt. Here the author describes her perception of the legendary civil rights heroine, Rosa Parks:

 

I had always imagined Rosa Parks as a stately woman with a bold temperament, someone who could easily stand up to a busload of glowering passengers. But when she died in 2005 at the age of ninety-two, the flood of obituaries recalled her as soft-spoken, sweet, and small in stature. They said she was “timid and shy” but had “the courage of a lion.

- Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

 

I love that: Timid and shy but with the courage of a lion. 

This description of Parks reminded me of a gorgeous picture book on my shelves: The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017). 

The Snow Lion is a quiet, gentle book. 

The art is soft and beautiful, the uncluttered story heart-warming. 

Words and pictures combine to create something rather magical: the imaginations of a little girl, Caro.

She is quiet, shy (dare I say - introverted!). And she’s facing a significant change in her life:

 

Caro and her mum went to live in a new house at the top of a hill.

 

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

 

A car heads up the hill, its bright lights piercing the darkness. .The dark illustration suggests a long drive. Perhaps Caro and her mum have left their previous home (and dad?) far behind.

Turn the page, and the contrast of the interior of their new house is stark.

 

The walls were white, the ceilings were white, even the doors were white. 

 

It’s not yet their home.

It’s a blank page.

A new start.

Caro begins exploring but wishes she had someone to play with. Fortunately for her, she has the active imagination of an introvert!

 

‘How about a game of hide-and-seek?’ said a deep gentle voice.

Caro turned around.

There stood a lion, as white as snow.

‘Where did you come from?’ Caro asked.

‘Oh, here and there,’ said the lion.

He leant against the white wall and vanished.

The wall winked at her and Caro laughed.

 

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

 

In an author interview, writer Helmore says the idea came from a conversation he had with his three-year-old-daughter: 

 

“I was explaining the idea of camouflage to my three-year-old daughter when she suggested that if a polar bear stood against our white kitchen wall, we wouldn’t see it. 

 

Helmore’s first draft featured that polar bear.…

 

[B]ut my editor had seen some lion illustrations that she loved by the illustrator Richard Jones. It was her suggestion to change the character to a white lion, which worked perfectly, being that much rarer and strange. … Richard’s illustrations are incredibly beautiful and slightly ethereal, which suit the story perfectly. … [H]is use of color and texture … gives the book an almost dreamlike feel.

- Author Interview: Jim Helmore on The Snow Lion (The World of Peachtree)

 

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

 

The magical Snow Lion is a gentle giant, tender and wise. As Bookbag notes, he is ‘kindly and reassuring [with] a quiet dignity and authority … like a wise and thoughtful parent.’

He reminds me of Aslan.

Because like Aslan, he is a source of strength, comfort and hope.

In the Peach Tree interview, Helmore says he was quite shy as a child, ‘especially in new situations or with new people and I think my daughter feels the same. So this story is for her and anyone who might find it harder to make new friendships.’

That doesn’t surprise me. I don’t think an extrovert could have written this. (Besides, most writers - with their solitary lives - are more often than not introverts.)

When asked how he would ‘encourage children to break out of their shells and explore beyond what feels safe’, Helmore replied:

 

Carefully. I don’t believe you should force people to do something they feel uncomfortable with. Perhaps it’s more about making a child feel as confident in themselves as possible, [to] then feel able to explore outside their comfort zones. I hope that by reading The Snow Lion and seeing Caro grow in confidence as she makes new friends, this might help.

- Author Interview: Jim Helmore on The Snow Lion (The World of Peachtree)

 

As the days pass, and Caro is happy playing with her new friend. From the safety of her house, Caro looks out at two boys playing.

 

One of the boys waved, but Caro looked away shyly.

 

The lion doesn’t force Caro into a situation which causes her stress. Instead, he continues to play with her. I adore the illustration of Caro lying back with her feet stretched up against the lion. It feels so relaxed - simply two friends, hanging out and chatting!

 

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

 

When sensitive people are in environments that nurture their authenticity, they laugh and chitchat just as much as anyone else.

- Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

 

As they race and chase each other around the house, Caro becomes more settled and self-assured. 

The lion is encouraging and patient.

One day, he looks at Caro thoughtfully and asks:

 

‘Have you tried the slide in the park?’

I like playing here with you,’ said Caro.

“I’ll still be here when you get back,’ the lion replied.

So Caro went to the park.

 

The lion is Caro’s anchor, gently encouraging her to step outside her comfort zones and broadens her horizons. Note that she’s not forced (or left to sink or swim).

She’s given choices.

I think there are some profound truths here for all parents—especially those with the more sensitive child.

‘I don’t believe you should force people to do something they feel uncomfortable with,’ says Elmore. ‘Perhaps it’s more about making a child feel as confident in themselves as possible so that they then feel able to explore outside their comfort zones. I hope that by reading The Snow Lion and seeing Caro grow in confidence as she makes new friends, this might help too.’

Pretty soon, Caro is at Bobby’s house, playing with his friends.

Caro’s mum senses her opportunity:

 

‘I think it’s time to put some colour into this house, don’t you?’

‘I like it white,’ said Caro, uncertainly.

 

Incidentally, we never get to see Caro’s mother. Perhaps she’s the magical Snow Lion?

Anyway, she organises a painting party. Caro’s new friends lend a hand, and soon their home is full of oranges, reds, blues and greens - leaving nowhere for Caro’s imaginary lion to hide.

But that’s ok! Snow Lion’s work is done! He’s helped Caro find confidence - and new friends.

Like Aladin’s genie, the lion’s free to leave the confines of the house and explore the world.

I hate goodbyes. And The Snow Lion inevitable ends on one of those bitter-sweet moments: Caro and the lion have a farewell hug - in the snow.  

 

‘The lion smiled. ‘And I’ll miss you too. But if you need me, you’ll know where to look.’

 

The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) | Illustration © 2017 by Richard Jones

 

The final page acts like a PS.

It’s summertime now, and Caro is playing with Bobby on a beach.

Looking down on them, up high in the clouds, is the ethereal (and camouflaged!) Snow Lion.

As the cover blurb reminds us: ‘[S]ometimes all you need is a special friend to help you find the courage hiding inside.’

 

STORIES WORTH SHARING: The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore, ill. by Richard Jones

Good to Read because:

It’s a touching, heart-warming story. Reading it feels comforting, like a warm blanket.

It would help reassure young children who are facing significant change, like moving house.

It’s a gentle reminder to parents to be kind and patient.

Little kids will enjoy the hide and seek element as they try and spot the lion against the white backgrounds.

Helps explain what it’s like to be an introvert - great if you have one or two kicking about the house!

Good to Read

Picture books with imaginary friends!

Big Rabbit’s Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu, ill. By Delphine Durand

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Leon and Bob by Simon James

The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator! by Mo Willems

 BUY THE BOOK 

‘magical, heart-warming … perfect for snuggling up and reading aloud.’

- Childcare & Education Expo

‘a comforting read for children who are facing change in their lives’

- Chikaruba Blog Buy UK Buy US* I earn commission from these links #AD

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The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Simon & Schuster 2017) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (Penguin 2013) Author Interview: Jim Helmore and The Snow Lion (Peachtree-online.com, October 12th 2018) The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones (Thebookbag.com, september 2017)© 2020 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.