 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Lionboy
- By Zizou Corder
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant premise -- so-so execution.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book hints at issues including corrupt drug companies and governments, animal treatment and captivity, and the environment. There also is a very positive portrayal of several interracial families.
What's the story?
In a slightly future world where pollution and asthma are rampant and cars are banned, Charlie's scientist parents are kidnapped. Pursued by their thuggish kidnapper, Rafi, and unwittingly carrying the formula for which they were taken, Charlie sets out to rescue them. Though his chances seem remote, he has one thing working in his favor: he can talk with cats, and cats all over the world, who know more about his parents than he does, are motivated to help him out.
He hooks up with a floating circus headed to France, where the cats say his parents have been taken, and meets a family of lions longing for escape. While working as the liontamer's helper he plots a way to arrange the lions' return to Africa while following his parents, who are now headed to Venice. But Rafi is closing in.
Is it any good?
It's a brilliant premise: a boy who can talk to cats (and lions!), a floating circus and later the Orient Express for settings, a child out to rescue both lions and his parents, a touch of fantasy, and an adventure spanning the width of Europe. This should have worked. And it does start to work -- about three-quarters of the way through.
The whole thing has the pacing of a fly in honey -- lots of buzzing, but not getting much of anywhere. It might have worked if Charlie had some personality or voice or humor, but he's pretty much a cipher -- Our Hero Who Speaks to Cats. Those children who make it to the end will be rewarded by a very exciting last section and a cliffhanger ending, and will want the sequel immediately. But many kids won't get that far.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the future imagined in this series. How is it similar to and different from the world today? Do you think it's a pessimistic or optimistic view of the future? Does it seem plausible, given the situation of the world today?
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AGE
A great cliffhanger!!
LIONBOY was a great book. It's the forth book I've read, in a row, for fun. I've always disliked reading up until about a month ago and if it's difficult for you to enjoy reading you'll enjoy this book! I couldn't get enough of it!
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Kid, 12 years old
August 29, 2010
AGE
any one wants to read a good book read this lion boy
I love this book it inspires me to read more books
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AGE
Good book
This book is filled with suspense and you just want to keep on reading it! In my opinion, you have got to read this book!!
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AGE
this book i think is for anyone who just needs to read a good book or hear a bedtime story
i think this book is very intresting. These authors know how to tell a great story. I know i couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel to this book lionboy-the chase! These two girls know how to mix adventure, action, mystery, and plain old fun in one. This is a great book for any age...from bedtime story to going out on the porch and reading to yourself in a rocking chair. I give this book two thumbs up. They can keep you on the edge of your seat or just give you a good laugh when you need it.
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AGE
The AudioCD Version: A fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy car rides
Our family just finished listening to the audio CD on car rides (to/from school, lessons, etc). Our 9 year old thoroughly enjoyed it, as have my husband and I. Our 7 year old fell asleep a couple of times - some of the descriptive paragraphs drag a bit. I was worried it would be too adult for the kids, but was mostly relieved. There were two references to drunkenness (once as a part of the circus act & once a police officer was drunk). The premise in general carries a lingering threat of violence (Charlie's parents are kidnapped and there is a bad man that is chasing Charlie...and, of course, lions are wild animals), but that threat never comes to anything that caused a problem or concern. Charlie and many of the people he interacts with are smart and clever. Fascinating & entertaining information about circus life and the futuristic state of the world, with most beings (cats & humans) that Charlie encounters being supportive and good. All in all, a great tale. We can't wait to listen to the sequel.
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AGE
Lion Boy the best book of time! READ IT
This is a great book That sends out good messages to young teenagers/children to never give up and to stick up for yourself i would say there is slightly older behavour in it but not that bad to not read it because it is a GREAT book! Please read it its worth it ... CHILDREN OUT THERE IF YUOR MUMS/MOMS SAY NO THEN THEY ARE REALLY WRONG AND JUST GO TO THE SHOP AND GET IT ANYWAY IT IS SO SO GOOD! i am 72 and i still love this book its worth a read come on give it a try BEFORE you die !! (its worth 10/10!!") thanks for reading and beleive me once you see that book in the store begg plead your mums or even if you are old enough and have your own money buy it!! you WILL REGERT IT IF YOU DONT READ IT! EVEN IF IT MEANS BORROWING FROM A FRIEND ! JUST BLOOMING READ THE BOOK!!!! and thats all i have to say ! thanks tuurah
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AGE
Must read!
I went through the trilogy in three days unable to put it down, it's just a book every one should read!
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| Author: | Zizou Corder |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Dial Books |
| Publication date: | February 6, 2005 |
| Number of pages: | 273 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 14 |
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