The Lion Queen: Rasila Vadher, the First Woman Guardian of the Last Asiatic Lions

by Rina Singh

Author Rina Singh and illustrator Tara Anand present a true tale of big cats and even bigger courage in this picture book inspired by the personal story of the Lion Queen, Rasila Vadher, who was Gir Forest’s first female guard.

“Never look a lion in the eyes,” a mother tells her fearless girl. After a field trip to the Gir Forest, the girl learns all about the rare Asiatic lions of India, and from that day on, she dreams of taking care of them when she grows up. But not everyone thinks a girl has a right to such a dream, and so she stifles what she wishes for most, a roar growing inside her. That is, until the day she comes face-to-face with a lion.

This empowering and exciting picture book is inspired by the story of Rasila Vadher, who grew up to become the first woman guardian and real-life Lion Queen at India’s Gir Forest, the very place where she first fell in love with lions.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Animals, Nonfiction, India, Cats, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

RINA SINGH was born in India and immigrated to Canada in 1980. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a teaching degree from McGill University. Before moving from Montreal to Toronto, she taught creative writing to gifted children. She has since written several critically acclaimed books for children. Her book A Forest of Stories has been translated into several languages, her poems and short stories have appeared in several Canadian literary journals, and she has exhibited photography in many Toronto galleries. Rina Singh teaches art and drama in Toronto, where she lives with her restaurateur husband and their two children.

Reviews

[Srividhya Venkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by a true story, THE LION QUEEN is about Rasila Vadher, the first appointed female forest guard at the Gir forest in India. The story is about her challenging path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a forest guard, and her experiences in protecting the forest and its wildlife that are threatened by teakwood thieves and poachers. With its themes of conservation and breaking stereotypes, the amazing lyricism of the text, and gorgeous illustrations, The Lion Queen is a must-have for all kinds of bookshelves - in libraries, schools, stores, and homes. The back matter gives information about the Gir forest, Asiatic lions, and the Lion Queens who are changing perceptions of gender roles in their community and inspiring younger girls to go after their dreams.
Don't miss the stunning art on the inside cover!!
Highly recommended.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book biography of the first woman to guard the lions in the Gir Forest. The whole family enjoyed this inspiring story that dealt with not only themes of gender stereotypes, but also poachers and other threats to the endangered Asiatic lions. The book also includes additional information about both Rasila Vadher and the Asiatic lions she protects.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book biography of one of the female guards from Gir National Park in India, where the last of the Asiatic Lions live.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book biography—powerful text and gorgeous illustrations.

[Lucy Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cool true story with gorgeous illustrations. I didn’t know there were still lions native to India!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, informative, and beautifully illustrated.

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice bio of a lesser known woman

[Danielle Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immensely powerful story! One that shows us what we can do with our roar inside if we don't give up.