Will have all the family giggling and guffawing!

Lancashire Evening Post

Lionel Is Just Like Dad

A warm father and son story in which an irresistible lion cub proudly tries to be just like Dad.  

Lionel can do everything Dad does: Dad combs his hair. So does Lionel. Dad scratches his arm. So does Lionel. Dad sings very, very loud. So does Lionel. 

But when Lionel throws all the toys in the air and they come down THUNK on Dad’s head … Dad yells! Ow! So does Lionel! Dad takes a break and has a think. Then comes rushing back for a big hug—Dad is very, very happy, and so is Lionel! 

Boundary-pushing Lionel has a mischievous grin that instantly wins us over, and his tolerant father incidentally provides a great model for parenting. 

This small and sturdy board book is just right for toddlers’ and preschoolers’ hands making it ideal to read alongside a child.  

Lionel Is Just Like Dad is the third book in this pithy board book series, designed to be read as standalone stories that introduce developmental milestones with humor, mischief and gentle guidance. Series includes Lionel Eats All By Himself and Lionel Poops. 

Translated from the French edition by Daniel Hahn. 

Look inside video | Author Q&A


  • Book Details

    Country of Origin France
    Reader Age 0-2 year
    Book Size
    ISBN

  • Reviews

    1. The Wall Street Journal

      Éric Veillé celebrates the father-son bond by presenting a stylized lion and his cub performing similar actions in “Lionel Is Just Like Dad,” a board book for babies and toddlers. “Dad combs his hair. So does Lionel,” we read in text translated from the French by Daniel Hahn. “Dad scratches an itch. So does Lionel.” This mirror game eventually gets a little out of hand when a heavy shoe goes flying through the air and Dad loses his cool. Lionel is still watching though, still copying his father’s actions—so it’s all the more meaningful when the dad shows his son how to cheer up and bounce back after something goes awry.

    2. School Library Journal (US)

      Readers are introduced to Lionel the lion cub and his dad in this brightly colored board book. Lionel loves to do all of the things that his father does: comb his hair, scratch his itches, and sing very loudly. VERDICT Simple illustrations and text on bright, solid backgrounds will keep the attention of young Lionels in the world…

    3. School Library Journal, Betsy Bird

      This book is just too friggin’ sweet.

    4. Red Reading Hub

      Charming, reassuring and a fun portrayal of a parent’s unconditional love.

    5. Lancashire Evening Post

      This clever, comical adventure of early learning and gentle guidance provides a great role model for parenting, and will have all the family giggling and guffawing through Lionel’s mischievous misadventures!

    6. Read Plus

      This charming story of the unconditional love between a parent and a child will reassure younger readers as parents are the major force in their lives.


Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.

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