Pajama Press

Morgan’s Nana gives him a lion toy that, he imagines, comes to life at night to help him face down his bad dreams

Morgan, an endearing tousle-haired little boy, feels big and strong during the day with his tall hat and his toy sword. But at night, when he dreams that a robber is coming through the woods to take these precious possessions, all of Mom’s assurances that “there is no robber” are not enough to ease his fears. Then Nana brings Morgan a stuffed toy lion, because everybody needs a lion sometimes—and because sometimes, fears in a child’s mind can only be conquered with the imagination. That night, Morgan rides a life-sized Night Lion into the woods and together they drive the robber far away. Comforting watercolour illustrations soothe any scary scenes, and the magical Night Lion will find an instant welcome in young readers’ hearts. A darling offering from author/illustrator Sanne Dufft.

Awards and Honours:
2019 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner
2018 Foreword INDIES: Picture Book Award finalist
2018 Resource Links “The Year’s Best” selection

Reviews:
★ “Creative illustrations use light and shadow to explore tumultuous emotions as the lion chases fears away alongside Morgan…”—Foreword Reviews ★ Starred Review

“[T]his picture book tells a story with universal appeal, particularly for children with night fears. The text reads aloud well, while the handsome watercolor artwork transforms elements of Morgan’s daytime experiences within the dream sequences….A reassuring picture book.”—Booklist

“The final spread of Morgan confidently raising his sword echoes Sendak’s Max as king of the wild things. A comforting, enabling, picture-perfect bedtime read.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The watercolor and pencil drawings are beautiful and comforting in calming blue and gray hues…A first purchase for any parenting collection that includes books about sleep issues…”—School Library Journal

“The soft hazy amber tones of the illustrations perfectly enhance Morgan’s playful antics and night-flight fantasy. Morgan and his storyline are both reminiscent of Sendak’s infamous Max. A wonderful selection for children suffering from nighttime fears. Recommended.”—School Library Connection

“The clever illustrations are beautifully rendered in water colour and enhance the dreamlike intrepid tone of the story. The picture of Morgan asleep with the full grown lion is especially irresistible. The comforting story encourages young children suffering from nightmares to conquer their fears.”—Resource Links

“The soothing repetition of the text’s beginning and end and the charming warmth of Dufft’s watercolour and pencil illustrations should make this a storytime staple within the home. In fact, I can’t emphasize how lovely Dufft’s artwork is bringing to mind the styles of Tomie dePaola, Maurice Sendak, Janet Ahlberg, and Shirley Hughes, but with a sensibility and sweetness that’s all her own. The book as a physical object is also comforting, with padded covers, and endpapers featuring a star-studded sky, all thoughtful elements that create a perfect lap book for bedtime….Pair The Night Lion with another bedtime read aloud, Jane Whittingham’s Wild One (featuring a female protagonist)…and you’ll have a wonderful bedtime routine down for the under-threes age group. Highly Recommended.”—CM Magazine

“Instantly endearing, The Night Lion tackles nighttime fears with an adorable and creative solution….With illustrations that are charming and engaging, Sanne Dufft’s beautiful artwork instantly draws you in. There’s a delightful, fast-paced storyline that shows the main character to be strong and confident while also empowering young readers to feel that they can conquer their own fears, making this a perfect book for any little one in need of their own night lion.”—Manhattan Book Review

“Beautiful full-page watercolor illustrations perfectly accompany this tale of a child conquering his/her fears.”—Youth Services Book Review

“The Night Lion by German author and artist Sanne Dufft should make any child who has problems sleeping at night feel easier.”—Winnipeg Free Press

“[A] beautiful book with wonderful illustrations….I hope to read this story over and over.”—Booktime