Book description from Goodreads: “Readers beware—there’s a ferocious lion in this book! The book warns that it has seen the lion already. First its bristly tail, then clashing claws, twitchy ears, fearsome fangs… and it’s lying in wait to turn any unsuspecting passerby into a child cheeseburger or rugrat ravioli.

But does a brushy tail always belong to a lion? When you touch the curvy claws, will they be attached to a paw? You never really know what might be lurking around the corner in this surprising story that challenges readers to face their darkest fears, and maybe even laugh about them.”

Educational Activities inspired by Watch Out for the Lion!:

• Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
  • What do you think this book will be about?
  • Where and when is this story taking place?
  • How do you think this story is going to end?
  • Who do you think the main character is? What do you think they might be like?
  • What are you looking forward to learning or discovering in the book?
  • Have you read any other books by the same author or illustrator? If so, what did you like about them?
• After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
  • Despite all the warnings about the lion, did you ever feel as if you should stop reading? Why/​why not?
  • Which of the creatures that wasn’t a lion were you most surprised to find in this book?
  • What did you think of the book’s ending?
  • What do you think is the message of the story?
  • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
  • Did you enjoy this book? Why/​why not?
• Drawing–Much of the fun of this book comes from seeing how part of an animal looks like it could be part of a lion. What other animals could be mistaken for a lion because of their teeth, fur, claws, or other features? (Maybe a snake, elephant, eagle, or hippo?) Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to show how one or more of these animals might just look like a lion. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
• Crafting–Lions are awesome, so let’s create some of our own by crafting. Get an adult to help! 
  • Cupcake Liner Lion–About as cute as a craft gets.
  • Leaf Stamping Lion Craft–I’ve tested it with three year olds and they ROCKED this craft.
  • Lion Footprint–I’m a sucker for incorporating a child’s footprint into art.
  • Paper Plate Lion–Adorable.
  • Paper Tube Lion–Check out the mane on this guy!

• Further Reading–Lions are pretty cool, so let’s check out other picture books about these mighty, ferocious animals. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)