Pajama Press

Manhattan Book Review

“Instantly endearing, The Night Lion tackles nighttime fears with an adorable and creative solution. With the simple notion of giving a stuffed lion and adding in imagination, nighttime fears can be conquered. 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.”

—Amy Shane

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“In brief, straightforward sentences and soft pastel illustrations, Dufft depicts strategies that young Morgan uses to face his nighttime fears….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.”
—Dr. Christie Kaaland, School Library Instructor, Antioch University Seattle, Seattle, Washington

Read the full review in the May/June 2018 issue of School Library Connection

“What did you like about the book? Morgan has a tall Robin Hood hat and a wooden sword. He is ‘wild and fierce and frightening.’ But at night Morgan is still afraid of robbers until his Nana brings him a stuffed lion. And, as with Calvin with his Hobbes, Morgan dreams of the adventures he and his lion experience in the woods where he is always brave and fearless. Beautiful full-page watercolor illustrations perfectly accompany this tale of a child conquering his/her fears….

To whom would you recommend this book? This is a good tale for children having problems with bad dreams and might be shared with the classic Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.”
—Katrina Yurenka, Moderator, Youth Services Book Review

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“Rating: E…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. Thematic Links: Nightmares; Dreams; Lions; Self-esteem; Grandmothers”
—Isobel Lang

Read the full review on page 3 of the February 2018 issue of Resource Links Magazine

“The watercolor and pencil drawings are beautiful and comforting in calming blue and gray hues with small dabs of bright color to draw the readers’ eyes. VERDICT A first purchase for any parenting collection that includes books about sleep issues…”
—Hillary Perelyubskiy, Los Angeles Public Library

Read the full review in the February 2018 issue of School Library Journal

“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….

Hopefully, The Night Lion will be the first of many picture books to come from Dufft. 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.”
—Ellen Wu

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“…Morgan loves seeking adventure in the woods until a nightmare leaves him feeling scared and unsure….Creative illustrations use light and shadow to explore tumultuous emotions as the lion chases fears away alongside Morgan…”
—Pallas Gates McCorquodale

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“The Night Lion by German author and artist Sanne Dufft (Pajama Press, 32 pages, $18, hardcover) should make any child who has problems sleeping at night feel easier.”

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“First published in Germany, this 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. The most dramatic shift is the simplest: one double-page illustration shows Morgan in bed, ready for sleep, and holding the little button-eyed lion in his arms. In the next scene, they are both sleeping, and the stuffed animal has become the full-size, living lion, ready to bolster the little knight’s courage. A reassuring picture book.”
—Carolyn Phelan

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