Review by Booklist Review
Young Ida has a vivid imagination and enjoys her fanciful world where stairs become mountains, hanging on a garden gate helps her cross a river, and a large lion lives in the hedges. As she traverses the village streets with her mother and baby sister, Ida notices the creature in the bushes. The animal hides there and sadly stifles his roar--he knows people would be frightened of him, whereas nobody is afraid of shrubbery. With much coaxing and patience, Ida gradually encourages the large, golden cat's roar, which he has held back for such a long time. The intricately detailed pen-and-ink drawings highlight the gentle story and call for study. Varying perspectives allow readers to peer into the villagers' windows and view their everyday lives. Also pictured are people tending to their rooftop gardens, trying on hats in the haberdashery, buying sweets in the bakery, and walking their babies and dogs along the sidewalks. Ida's persistence and kindness helps her imaginary friend find his voice, to the satisfaction of them both.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When a lion camouflages himself as a hedge to stay unnoticed, young Ida works relentlessly to help him release his repressed roar. From the beginning, readers are aware that only Ida recognizes the disguised lion, but they will also notice that Ida is blessed with a vivid imagination--in her mind, trotting down cement steps becomes a descent down a mountain, and swinging on a gate is like crossing a river. Why, then, should we believe that Hedge Lion is more than a hedge? Yet we do, since the entire story hinges around Ida's efforts to out her silent companion. The language is both accessible and droll as Ida creates a "hedgy mane" and packs snacks to encourage the lion to get more "roary." When he finally lets down his mane, he can't seem to stop--to Ida's chagrin. Children will understand both the lion's self-control issues and Ida's remorse at shouting at him; Wilson-Owen offers a sensitive take on the idea of expressing and managing big emotions. Skilled use of fine-lined drawings is further enhanced by judicious use of color, particularly when the lion is spotlighted in bright yellow. The ending sweetly draws readers to bedtime. Ida and family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Roaring good naptime fare. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
