Love is for Roaring

In this sweet picture book, Lion is asked to show his love in a class homework assignment. This upsets Lion, and he explains to his friend Mouse that he does not like pink, or hearts, and does not love love. Throughout the story, Mouse tries to help his friend think of things he does love by naming various activities like running and playing, or growling and roaring. In a kind way, Mouse manages to point out the things Lion does love, even though they are not conventional ways of showing love.

Kerr’s writing is playful and light which helps to move readers from Lion’s initial grumpiness to an acceptance that there are other ways to show your love. This format also allows readers to answer the questions themselves and reflect on their own style of showing love to others. This reflection can help kids identify whether they do like to give hugs or if they are more like Lion and prefer to show their love in other ways.

The illustrations by Liwska support the story’s light feel and feature Lion’s animal friends throughout the story. As Mouse and their group of friends help Lion figure out what ways he shows love, each possibility is presented in Lion’s imagination on the page. By the end of their school day, Lion and his friends are all happily working on their assignment together. The final page shows a happy Lion and Mouse walking home together. Mouse is holding a valentine card from Lion, and Lion is wearing an acorn necklace from Mouse. The ending provides a sweet resolution that models different ways friends can show love.

Love is for Roaring is a great story for starting conversations with children around what love can look like and how they like to show it.