There is a growing sense of emotional and sensory overload in the first half of this picture book in which a child narrates a list of things that are frightening (the roar of lions at the zoo, the crack of lightening, the bark of a big dog, yelling daddies and mommies). The child's response is to "Shut my eyes tight. 'Go away,' I say. 'Scary! Go away.'" This is followed by calm, with the child describing a world in which both a literal and figurative storm have passed (the sun has come out, mommies are singing, daddies are dancing, there are small quiet things to notice). Robie Harris's narrative conveys both the chaos and the relief, with Chris Raschka's expressive, colorful line illustrations adding to the effect. (Ages 3-6)

A caring and reassuring story of a young child who faces his fear and makes his world a safe place again.

2012 Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka and bestselling author Robie H. Harris pair together to create a comforting story for young readers when their world becomes unsettled.

Thunder is booming!
A big dog is barking!

Sometimes the world seems scary -- too scary. But what if you shout, "GO AWAY!" Will the sun come out? Will a flower bloom?

When Lions Roar is a caring and reassuring story of a young child who faces fear and makes his world a safe place again.