'How To Hide a Lion' by Helen Stephens

Awww Helen Stephens!

Aren’t her books just the cutest? I love her style of illustration, it has such a classic 70s feel despite actually being current. The stories are always so great too. She has this real knack of combining simple story lines that are so child-centric in their content with brilliant humour and surprising twists.

‘How To Hide A Lion’ is another of her gems. A lion walks into the market square to buy a hat. After scaring the townspeople, a little girl called Iris tries to hide him at home. But it turns out it is much more difficult to hide a lion than you’d think.

Her stories have this brilliant child-like quality to them, that makes them feel like they were not only thought up by a child but written by one (albeit a very amazing one). This is what gives them such great appeal to children. They can relate to them. They can picture themselves in the story and get lost in the magic. The unexpected person always succeeds and everyone loves a happy ending.

Available in Board Book format here for just £2.99 until 22nd February (RRP – £6.99)