About the Book
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.
About the Author :
Tom is an illustrator and author who resides in Rugby, Warwickshire. Brian the Dancing Lion will be his fourth picture book as author and illustrator. Tom has been practising his dancing in front of the mirror in order to get Brians moves just right. Tom is an illustrator and author who resides in Rugby, Warwickshire. Brian the Dancing Lion will be his fourth picture book as author and illustrator. Tom has been practising his dancing in front of the mirror in order to get Brians moves just right.
Review :
Brian the lion loves to dance, but he keeps it to himself: "nobody would think a dancing lion was brave or strong or fierce," an idea re-enforced by some cha-chaing gazelles preparing for a dance competition. But when Brian and his friends congregate in earshot of the competition, he can't help himself; the music makes him break out into a big, twirling dance. Ashamed, he runs home, but his friends follow after him. They share their hobbies, from sewing to crafts to singing opera, and Brian realizes everyone can simply like what they like, without judgment or shame. The friends then put on a dance spectacular to make up for the missed competition, and Brian gets to finally show off his moves in public. Scratchy pencil work and golden hues make Brian the central focus here, while watercolors create textured backgrounds; Tinn-Disbury's anthropomorphic animals have a cartoony, dynamic energy in their expressive body language. An open allegory for toxic masculinity keeping people from their passions, this story offers a touching and accessible way to encourage viewers to look beyond the gendered limits society imposes on certain activities. This book will likely fit in with other LGBTQ+ friendly reads at Drag Queen Story Hours.--NB "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"
Brian the Dancing Lion, written and illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury (Capstone Editions). In this light-hearted story about embracing our true selves and gender expressions, Brian the Lion loves to dance, to any kind of music. The problem is, lions are supposed to be fierce, and no one would think a dancing lion was fierce. He therefore keeps his dancing a secret. When his secret slips out, however, his friends--a gorilla, an alligator, and a rhino--turn out to be more accepting than he had imagined, and reveal their own not-fierce hobbies. There are now a number of books about boys who want to dance but are hesitant in the face of gender stereotypes, notably the recent Llama Glamarama, Glad Glad Bear, When Langston Dances, and Téo's Tutu, and the older Oliver Button Is a Sissy. Some readers may prefer the stories with human characters; others may like the whimsy of animals. And Téo and Glad Glad Bear offer representation to boys whose style leans towards traditionally female clothing as well, which some (though not all) readers may seek. Brian the Dancing Lion is especially close in storyline to Llama Glamarama, but is a little gentler; Llama Glamarama has more frenetic humor. Neither is better or worse; different readers will prefer each at different times. It's good to have options, and Brian holds his own with any of the other stories.-- "Mombian"
Can someone be brave, strong, fierce, and love to dance? Brian the lion loves to dance. Whenever he hears music (or any sound with a beat) he needs to dance, and it makes him feel good. He worries, however, that since lions are meant to be brave, strong, and fierce, no one will respect a dancing lion. Whenever his friends ask about his social calendar, he equivocates about all of the leonine activities he plans to do, but he really spends his free time dancing in secret. One day, he hears from a couple of gazelles that a big dance competition is in the works. Brian thinks he can prove to everyone that dancing lions can still be courageous and powerful. He practices day and night, plagued by fears of what his friends (an ape, a rhino, and an alligator) would think if they knew about his hidden passion. One day, while the other animals are practicing their dance routines, the music moves Brian so much that he can't help but dance, much to everyone's astonishment. Embarrassed, he runs home and hides for days. When his friends come to check on him, they each have a surprising confession...and a plan to prove to the jungle at large that fierce lions can be dancers too. Brit Tinn-Disbury's winsome tale demolishes gender (and species) stereotypes with gentle humor. The digital illustrations of jungle animals, au naturel, are colorful and appealing. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A fine addition to storytimes on friendship, breaking norms, and being one's self. (Picture book. 2-7)-- "Kirkus Reviews"
