Nani and the Lion
written by Alicia D. Williams
illustrated by Anna Cunha
A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book (Atheneum), 2026. 40 pages.
Review written March 25, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
Here’s a new picture book with all the marks of a storytime classic. The setting is a village “across the ocean, where trees stretched far and wide and mountains kissed the sky.” But near the village lives a grumpy lion who doesn’t like noise and declares that no one may make noise in King Lion’s Land.
Villagers were so afraid that they tiptoed to the watering holes. Roosters refused to call the sun. Even elephants dared not blow their trunks.
However, living in the village is a little girl named Nani who is gifted at drumming. She can imitate all the local animals by making sounds on her drum. And when she drums, the people can’t help but dance.
And then they remember the lion and tell her to be quiet.
So that’s the set-up. She tries three different locations, making people and animals dance. The sound of the drum will be one kids can’t resist making along with Nani.
But finally, the lion hears, and the lion comes. (And there are sound effects for that, of course.)
At first, Nani runs with the others.
But then she uses her drum to make the lion dance.
And it all winds up with a tired lion and a joyful village dance party.
It’s accompanied by wonderful and colorful illustrations, and the whole thing has a folk tale feel. As with most picture books I review, you really do need to check this one out yourself and try it on a child to appreciate how lovely it is.
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Picture_Books/nani_and_the_lion.html
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