Herbert the Lion

by Clare Turlay Newberry

Herbert is a gentle, friendly lion cub who lives in the city with his owner, a young girl named Sally. Herbert is playful and loves to chase and jump on people. He grows very quickly and as a full-sized lion, these behaviors begin to scare everyone---the postman, the butcher boy, the milkman, and the grocer, as well as Sally's friends, grandparents, and other…

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1931

Reviews

[Children's Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is quite charming mostly due to its unusual illustrations. They are done in mint and light orange. The artist was studying in Paris when she wrote and illustrated this book. The plot is somewhat similar to When the Tiger Came to Tea, so if your child likes the book by Judith Kerr they will most likely like this one as well.

I much prefer this book over Newberry's books about cats which I think have quite bland illustrations.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in the 1930's and imagination blending with reality. Cute.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an example of one that I bought for myself, before I was a mommy and before I was a children's librarian. About ten years ago I was intrigued by the wave of retro-looking illustrations that began to hit the bookstores, so I picked up this book that has older-looking illustrations, because it is an older story.

Having said that, this book should not be dismissed as only having reference value for those wanting to create retro-looking illustrations. The illustrations do propel the story, and improve it, but standing alone, the story is charming. And this book passes the toddler test.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised this picture book was written/illustrated in 1931. The illustrations---which are cute and lively---have a slightly vintage/retro, yet modern feel to them. The story is fanciful, but does have an underlying message of truly caring for the family pet. I loved pretty much everything about this book and recommend it most particularly to the 2-6 year olds who like stories about animals (just be prepared to tell them over and over that no, they can't have a pet lion).

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is really corny, but I am cutting it a lot of slack because it dates from 1931. Basically girl receives lion from mom as a present. (Yes, this girl is spoiled.) The lion grows up and is to big to keep. So the whole family and the lion move to the countryside where life is much better!

I love the pictures. They are charming in a quaint, old-fashioned 1931-ish way.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart. This book, circa 1931, has a sweet enough story, but the dual-toned illustrations--simple and oh so charming--had me drooling.

For whatever reason, it gets me. I want this book!

[Marjorie Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally is a little girl that wanted a lion so badly. Her parents get her a lion cub that soon is too large to stay in the city so they send him to their ranch in the mountains. Sally and Herbert were sad without each other.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every kid who wishes he or she could have a lion.

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the girl gets a lion. They grow up together and have no problems. They move to the ranch so that they can stay together.

[Dennis Ashendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This makes a better than average children's book. It serves as a nice gift.

[Elizabeth Ferry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story about a girl and her lion. (written in 1931)

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story with cute illustrations.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd mix of fantasy and reality.