Brian the Dancing Lion

Can someone be brave, strong, fierce, and love to dance? Brian the lion loves to dance. Whenever he hears music (or any sound with a beat) he needs to dance, and it makes him feel good. He worries, however, that since lions are meant to be brave, strong, and fierce, no one will respect a dancing lion. Whenever his friends ask about his social calendar, he equivocates about all of the leonine activities he plans to do, but he really spends his free time dancing in secret. One day, he hears from a couple of gazelles that a big dance competition is in the works. Brian thinks he can prove to everyone that dancing lions can still be courageous and powerful. He practices day and night, plagued by fears of what his friends (an ape, a rhino, and an alligator) would think if they knew about his hidden passion. One day, while the other animals are practicing their dance routines, the music moves Brian so much that he can't help but dance, much to everyone's astonishment. Embarrassed, he runs home and hides for days. When his friends come to check on him, they each have a surprising confession...and a plan to prove to the jungle at large that fierce lions can be dancers too. Brit Tinn-Disbury's winsome tale demolishes gender (and species) stereotypes with gentle humor. The digital illustrations of jungle animals, au naturel, are colorful and appealing. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A fine addition to storytimes on friendship, breaking norms, and being one's self. (Picture book. 2-7)