Are you looking for some Lion children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Lions are a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Lion books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Lions, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Lionheart by Richard Collingridge
Lionheart introduces us to a little boy named Richard who hears something in his bedroom before laying down to go to sleep, but what is it? Is it a monster? He doesn’t want to wait to find out!
He sets off running through the streets, over the hills, through the forest, and into the fields until he finds himself in a magical jungle. With the help of his stuffed lion Lionheart, Richard finds the courage he needs to face his fears.
Literacy Extensions:
- Lions Literature List
- Classroom Booklet: “All About Lions”
- Lions Counting
- My Lion Story: Student Worksheets
2. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Narnia is the land beyond the wardrobe door. It is a secret place frozen in eternal winter, a magical country waiting to be set free. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor’s mysterious old house.
At first her brothers and sister don’t believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves.
In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch. When they meet the Lion Aslan, they realize they’ve been called to a great adventure and bravely join the battle to free Narnia from the Witch’s sinister spell.
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Lion” Classroom Book
- “Lions Counting” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Lions vs Tigers
- Lions Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.
Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do.
There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore.
But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Lions”
- Lions Story Parts Worksheet
- Paper Plate Lions Art Project
- Lions Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Lionel and Molly Colors by Joanna Lake
Introducing Lionel and Molly who are two best friends exploring the world around them in this touch and feel concept board book.
Lionel the lion and Molly the mouse are best friends who love exploring the world together. Join them as they discover the colors and beauty of the seasons, like the bright yellow sun in the summer and big blue rain puddles in the spring.
Literacy Extensions:
- Lions Literature List
- Lions Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Lions Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Footprint Lion Art Project
5. Caring for Your Lion by Tammi Saur
What happens when you expect an itty-bitty kitty but get a lion instead?
It’s kitten delivery day, but SURPRISE! Congratulations on your new LION! We know you ordered a kitten, but we ran out of those.
Fortunately, the big cat comes with instructions like, try very hard NOT to look like a zebra. Or a gazelle. And give your lion PLENTY of space to play. But soon the feathers and fur start flying and everything’s in chaos. Is there any way a lion could actually be a child’s purr-fect pet?
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Lion” Classroom Book
- Lions Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Lions Art Project
- Lions Add & Subtract Match Game
6. When Your lion Needs a Bath by Susanna Leonard Hill
When your lion needs a bath, you have to be pretty sneaky! This charming and hilarious board book highlights the many ways to get your lion into that tub!
Does your lion need a bath? When your lion needs a bath, you must be a little sneaky. After all, have you ever met a cat who likes water? So, gather up your towels and rubber ducks and get that lion into the tub! But be careful or you just might end up in the bath, too!
Literacy Extensions:
- Lions Word Bank
- Lions Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Lions Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Lions Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Henry and Leo by Pamela Zagarenski
Leo isn’t just a stuffed toy; he is Henry’s best friend and brother. He is as real as a tree, a cloud, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the wind. But when the two are accidentally separated, no one in Henry’s family believes Leo is real enough to find his way home.
With beautiful mixed-media paintings, the Caldecott Honor–winning artist Pamela Zagarenski explores the transcendent nature of friendship and love.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Lions” Student Booklet
- Lions Make a Short Vowel Word
- Lions Sight Word Games
- Lions Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright
A bestselling story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
In a dry dusty place where the sand sparkled gold, stood a mighty flat rock, all craggy and old. And under that rock in a tinyful house, lived the littlest, quietest, meekest brown mouse.
Fed up with being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Were a Lion” Classroom Book
- Lions Letter & Sound Match Game
- Lions Build a Word
- Lions Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Lion children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Lion books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
