L is for Lion King: Library Notes


It was grade 4 I think, when I did a project on lions, and I remember sitting at the table working hard on drawing a lioness for it and being proud of the finished product for the animal project as a whole. Lions are incredibly beautiful animals with majesty and grace, fierceness and loving playfulness.

It is meaningful that lions live in prides/ in family units where they work together to ensure each other's survival and well-being. It is a good example for us and is well portrayed between Mufasa and Sarabi in the Lion King. It is a classic tale where not every member of the group is equally loyal and trustworthy.  There is an uncle whose jealousy and desire for power corrupts him and causes a rift in the family that is a major part of the storyline that unfolds in the book. 

Learning how to carry on and be resilient in very difficult circumstances, finding your inner strength and learning who to keep by your side are major life lessons Simba learned.We cannot control everything that happens around us but we must keep on keeping on. If the problem is of our own doing or the result of another's actions or simply the circumstances of life, we need to move past any blame and forgive oneself or others and/or accept that life has both good and bad experiences beyond our control. Being bitter or dwelling on the negative will not help so it shouldn't happen. In life, be the best you can be. Do what you can do for others. Keep moving forward. Avoid those who pull you down and instead be the one who lifts up others, even those whose actions caused you pain.

While the lessons of this story are plentiful and powerful, it is also a book that can lead to a lot of fun moments too.  If you watch the movie together or sing the lyrics to the songs together, you can create shared memories that last into the future when the 'classic story' again is told and retold. Cultural references commonly used like "hakuna matata" or don't worry. and 'remember who you are" will prompt the memory to recall the story and its lessons.

In addition to all the life lessons and the fun of the book, many other activities connecting to The Lion King can be enjoyed! You can play games like hunting for bugs or enjoy some loving rough and tumble play and practice somersaults and leaps like lion cubs. You can study Africa and its pridelands or go on a pretend safari with binoculars and search out toy lions, wild pigs, monkeys and more. Artistically you can paint sunrises and sunsets with water colours or alternative mediums. Feeling the power of the music by attending a live performance on Broadway or memorizing an entire song from the movie for a Lion King themed home drama night are also memorable activities to enjoy. Since this is a popular book and movie, there are many resources to print from the web as well.  The key is to build on the story and expand the opportunities to learn and have fun together with the child(ren) in your life.


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