Lions at Night by Jessica M. Boehman*

 The lions that guard the New York Public Library by day come alive at night to explore the city. In this wordless book, Ms. Boehman displays their adventure in engaging illustrations. Allusions abound. I especially enjoyed the author's note where she explains the lions' history.

*Highly recommend.

Borrowed via inter-lib. loan. 

Andy and the Lion by James Daugherty*

"A Tale of Kindness Remembered or the Power of Gratitude"
First published in 1938 and still keeps children spellbound!
Andy borrows a book from the library about lions and reads the book all day and all evening.  Right before bed, his grandfather tells him tales about hunting lions in Africa.  Andy dreams about lions and the next day, thinks about him as he readies himself for school and walks to school.  And what does he encounter?  A Lion!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, predicting 
Guided Reading Level: M (second grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.1
This story is a retelling of Androcles and the Lion by Aesop.

Lions by Catherine Ipcizade*

"Pebble Plus"
Large book with more than one page spread photographs and simple text-perfect for the beginning reader and younger child learning about research and nonfiction.
This lion book is the most comprehensive out of the lion books my preschooler and I read.
Text features: headings, table of contents, labels, maps, map key, glossary, index
*Highly recommend.
If I had a PreK-2nd grade classroom, I would make sure I had all the Pebble Plus nonfiction African animal books in our classroom library.
Other titles in this series (African Animals): Cheetahs, Giraffes, Pythons, Elephants, Leopards, Meerkats, Zebras
Guided Reading Level: I (end of 1st grade)
http://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/african-animals/

My First Animal Library -Lions by Mary Lindeen*

My preschooler wanted to research lions since his brother was researching platypuses so we read a few lion books this week!
"Bullfrog Books" publication
Ms. Lindeen focuses on the lion family and each member's role.
Full page photographs and large, simple text for beginning readers and researchers.
Text features: table of contents, heading, label, diagram, picture glossary, index.
If I had a PreK-1st grade classroom, I would make sure this title and the rest of the titles in the series were part of our classroom library.
*Highly recommend.
Other titles in series: Bats, Bullfrogs, Elephants, Foxes, Giraffes, Mice, Monkeys, Owls, Penguins, Polar Bears and Raccoons.
Guided Reading Level: E (1st grade)

Lions by Kate Riggs*

A Seedlings Publication
A perfect nonfiction book for toddlers, preschoolers, Kindergartners and 1st graders.
Full page photographs with large, easy font.
Text features: bold print, table of contents, index, "words to know", diagrams, close ups
*Highly recommend.
Other titles in this series: Dolphins, Elephants, Giraffes, Monkeys and Penguins.
If I had a PreK-1st grade classroom, I would have this series in our classroom library.

Lion, Lion by Miriam Busch illustrated by Larry Day

A little boy and a lion dialogue back and forth as a boy searches for his PET lion (which turns out to be a cat).
I enjoyed asking questions as I read this story to my preschooler.  The illustrations evoke questions.  The illustrations also promote inferences and add depth to the story.
Perfect book for partner reading as the whole story is told via dialogue.
Readers will admire the main character's cleverness in rescuing his pet.  Funny last page!
Strategies: asking questions, inferring, fluency

The Lion Who Stole My Arm by Nicola Davies*

On his way home from fishing, Pedru decides to check his snares for a heartier dinner.  A lion attacks him in the bush and runs off with his arm.
As Pedru contemplates how to kill this lion, he discovers things about lions, Africa and himself that transform him.
In this short novel, one learns a lot about African way of life and its creature.
I like how it shares the struggle of someone suddenly handicapped and how he adjusts.

Lion vs. Rabbit by Alex Latimer*

Lion is a bully but the other animals are too timid to stand against him.  So they place an ad on the internet.  Several tough animals come to defeat the lion but do not prove able.  Then a sweet rabbit arrives.  A great ending!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: Use pictures to predict!, sequencing, cause/effect

Getting to Know . . Nature's Children-Pandas and Lions by Merebeth Switzer (Pandas) and Elizabeth MacLeod

Part of a nonfiction series that my seven year old son enjoys.
Great nonfiction for the transitional reader.
Text structure: contents, headings, photos, picture captions, maps, glossary and index.
Published in 1988 so quite old but still great!