The Lion Queen
Rasila Vadher, the First Woman Guardian of the Last Asiatic Lions
- Publisher
- Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Initial publish date
- Oct 2023
- Category
- Women, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, etc., Endangered
- Recommended Age
- 4 to 8
- Recommended Grade
- p to 3
- Recommended Reading age
- 4 to 8
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781951836849
- Publish Date
- Oct 2023
- List Price
- $24.99
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Author Rina Singh and illustrator Tara Anand presenta true tale of big cats and even bigger courage in this picture book inspired by the personal story of the Lion Queen, Rasila Vadher, who was Gir Forest’s first female guard.
“Never look a lion in the eyes,” a mother tells her fearless girl. After a field trip to the Gir Forest, the girl learns all about the rare Asiatic lions of India, and from that day on, she dreams of taking care of them when she grows up. But not everyone thinks a girl has a right to such a dream, and so she stifles what she wishes for most, a roar growing inside her. That is, until the day she comes face-to-face with a lion.
This empowering and exciting picture book is inspired by the story of Rasila Vadher, who grew up to become the first woman guardian and real-life Lion Queen at India’s Gir Forest, the very place where she first fell in love with lions.
About the authors
Rina Singh is a children’s author and poetry slam coach whose curiosity and love for storytelling shape the heart of her books. Rooted in real-life events and the untold stories they hold, her writing spans themes of environmental justice, social change, and the magic woven into everyday life. Her critically acclaimed titles include Grandmother School, winner of the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize; Diwali: A Festival of Lights, nominated for the Red Cedar Award; and Once, a Bird. Her picture book Barefoot Skateboarders is based on a true story set in rural India.
Editorial Reviews
"[H]er determination and commitment are deeply moving. A stirring story of persistence and courage."
Kirkus
"The poetic imagery of the text is paired with lush illustrations rich with metaphor. This story of a woman bold enough to run with lions, and break barriers in the process, will appeal to animal lovers and social crusaders."
School Library Journal
Other titles by
Bird Brothers, A Delhi Story
Barefoot Skateboarders
Les planchistes aux pieds nus
Imagine a Garden
Stories of Courage Changing the World
Once, a Bird
111 Trees
How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
Grandmother School Read-Along
Grandmother School
A Meeting in the Sky
Diwali
Festival of Lights