Brian the Dancing Lion

by Tom Tinn-Oisbury

Brian the Lion loves dancing, but lions are meant to be brave and strong and fierce. Nobody would think a dancing lion was brave or strong or fierce. But when Brian finds out about a big dancing competition, he decides it’s time to prove everyone wrong! Tom Tinn-Disbury tears apart any lingering notions of gender (and lion) stereotypes in this musical picture book, showcasing the importance of believing in yourself, trusting your friends, and dancing at every opportunity.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am actually surprised with how much I ended up loving this storybook!

It just tells a story about our insecurities and about how others would judge us if we act like our true self.

Such an impactful story with beautiful illustrations.

I felt so much happier after reading the book.

Thank you author, artist and the publisher for the advance reading copy.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian the lion LOVES to dance. But, lions are supposed to be brave, and strong, and fierce - and dancing requires none of those things.

Or does it?

This is a sweet tale about a lion discovering that letting others see the real you is sometime the bravest thing you can do.

With illustrations by the author.



Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Publishing for letting me meet Brian.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian the lion loves to dance but all of his friends think he loves to roar and other lion things. He secretly dances and is afraid that if his friends find out that they will think less of him. When a dancing competition comes, he puts away his fears and dances and he finds out that his friends are more interesting than he thought.

A story about friendship and supporting our friends in their likes and dislikes. Discovering who you are with what you like to do and not to do. A great conversation with children and their parents.

A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Mrs_R_Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about being yourself and doing the things that make YOU happy.

[Rebecca Crunden]

Okay, this is simply lovely. A feel-good story of a lion who loves to dance and the fear he faces telling his friends about it. The reveal and twist are so sweet and wholesome. Cannot recommend enough!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

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[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic picture book about a lion who loves to dance but hides it from all of his friends as it doesn't fit with his image as a brave and strong lion. In the end his friends find out and are proud of him and happy for him for his interest. There were so many valuable discussions to come from just this one picture book - the value of true friendship, the importance of accepting yourself, how each person can be many things and have many interests and none of them negate the other true things about ourselves. The message and the story was absolutely perfect for young children.

The simple artwork was bright, cheerful and whimsical and definitely appealed to my two year old. My son enjoyed this one and I enjoyed reading a story that was so important. It was extra special for us because my son loves to dance. He loved the ultimate message that Lion could dance and still be strong and brave and fierce and that his wonderful dancing made him more of these things not less.

Five stars.

[Melanie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for providing me with this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Brian the lion loves to dance, but is afraid of what his friends might think because lions are supposed to be fierce. When a big dance competition comes up, will he be able to show the other animals his true passion?
This was a great book! The illustrations were well done, and I loved that the character of Brian had a passion that was unexpected for a lion. He initially struggles, but overcomes it all and finds the confidence he needs to be his true self. This is a great message for kids about knowing who you are and not letting the opinions of others influence who you want to be. Brian’s friends turned out to be very supportive, and even had secret passions of their own. All of them work together to put on a fabulous show for the rest of the animals. A wonderful book about living your truth and not changing yourself just to fit in. Be who you want to be!

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story about Brian, a lion who loves to dance but fears his friends might find it quite un-lionly. He hopes competing in a dance competition might change the way they think, but it's possible he may not have given his friends, or himself, enough credit.

This is a wonderful tale about being unabashedly who you are and trusting and expecting your friends to be supportive. Brian learns a great lesson and young readers will find the tale very relatable. Along with a fantastic message, the text includes very expressive language that will be a great vocabulary-builder for students. The illustrations are fun and lively and will definitely hold attention.

This would be an awesome addition to preschool and elementary school and classroom libraries and would make a great circle time read!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian the Dancing Lion is a great book to show kids that it’s ok to be yourself!

Brian loves to dance, but he hides it from all of his friends. As a lion, he’s expected to be brave and mighty, and he doesn’t think his friends would understand his love of dancing. He imagines they would make fun of him because dancing “isn’t something lions do.” In the end, Brian discovers that his friends love him no matter what and they all have their own hobbies that others might think of as silly.

The message in this story is great and something that will benefit young kids who might be struggling with who they are and societal pressures to fit into a traditional mold. I loved the illustrations in this book as well - the colors were rich and the jungle foliage was lush.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this sweet book.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This does just what you'd expect – portray a dancing lion, who's been told too many times that lions should roar and look fierce, not do things like flounce around a dance floor. Despite the blurb incorrectly thumping gender politics into things (something the actual book ignores up till then), the piece is a good evocation of being yourself, and not losing out due to embarrassment in who you are and what you like doing. It's a very common message in books for this age range these days, but this is not a bad example whatsoever, with just enough quirk and character to the art to make it more memorable.

[Lacy | lacyloveslit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian is a lion who is supposed to be brave and fierce. He isn't supposed to like to dance- what would his friends think?!

This story is about overcoming insecurities and becoming accepting of who you are and what you like regardless of others' opinions. I loved that the other animals also had hobbies that weren't what you would expect them to like and how they all came together to celebrate Brian's talent. This is a great story for preschool- 2nd grade.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Capstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

[Hayley Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! My kids have actually started dance class, so I thought this message was fantastic. Lion loves to dance, but feels too shy to dance in front of his friends because lions are supposed to be brave and strong and fierce, and no one would think a dancing lion is brave and strong and fierce. But when his friends find out, they're actually really supportive, and also share their own hobbies (singing, knitting, crafts etc.) Really loved the message of being a supportive friend, and also being brave enough to be yourself! And the illustrations were super cute too. Highly recommend!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Brain the Lion who loves to dance but lions aren’t supposed to do anything that isn’t brave, loyal and strong. Breaking these stereotypical archetype character roles Brian is an example of following your passions and discovering that those who truly care about you will support you no matter what. The illustrations are adorable and overall this is an inspirational book with a good message for all readers.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian the lion loves to dance but he's afraid to share his special talent with his friends because he thinks they will think less of him. During a gathering someone is playing music and Brian finds himself unable to resist the beat and begins to dance. When he notices his friends staring at him he runs away and hides, refusing to see or speak to his friends. When they finally entice him to speak to them they assure Brian that they do not think any less of him. In fact, most of them all have non gender normative hobbies.

A good one to illustrate the need to stop gender-fying activities.

[thebiblioaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book! The fact you can do something even if other's think you shouldn't! The illustrations were awesome and the author has great skill at making the story flow nicely.

The dancing aspect was super cute - the author did a great job of bringing Brian to life! The idea that his friends were also super supportive of his dream was great because it shows that everyone can have their own passion!

Would purchase this for my daughter or any of my friends with kiddos!

[Gemma Creffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book because it reminded me of Dogs Don't Do Ballet and Giraffes Can't Dance. I was absolutely correct, this book is like those titles, but it is magnificent all the same. This is BEAUTIFUL. In every sense. Wonderful artwork and a brilliant story. The "never be ashamed of who you are" tales are my favourite because I think it's such an important lesson for everyone of every age to learn. It's an inspiring and humbling story and I am here for it. Highly recommended!

[Laura McDonell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I just adore this book. As an adult reader, the way that this book fights the notions of toxic masculinity are just perfectly clear and beautifully applied. Children will love Brian and Lion and his dance moves, his supportive friends, and his courage. I would definitely read this in my classroom.

[Gijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good storybook for children who cherish their dreams to do something different. Doing what you love most is the best thing to live a meaningful life.

Brian, the lion, was first shy to admit his passion for dancing. His friends helped Brian to discover his inner passion.

Nice illustrations help children to follow the story easily.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story about a lion who hides his interest in dance from his friends because lions are supposed to be tough and fearsome. A good message about not being afraid to be yourself, especially around people who are your friends and who support you! The friends responses were so sweet.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone for a free digital copy.

A cute story about embracing what brings you joy and not hiding who you are from your friends. Plus the illustrations are so cute!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read-aloud option about animal friends encouraging Brian the lion to be true to himself and shake off feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I like where he was dancing. And where he was sad because his thought his friends would make fun of him but then they didn’t!” - Luke

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Capstone publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this delightful book! I read it on NetGalley. Emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and friendship, this wonderful story is a great anytime read aloud.