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The Lion in Your Heart
When a boy is scared to sleep alone, he learns he has a special secret to conquer his fear. Heartfelt storytelling paired with vibrant illustrations convey a valuable lesson for all children.
Dennis has moved to a new home and is scared to sleep alone in his room. Mommy explains that there is a friendly and dependable lion in his heart, always there to protect him. But Dennis is confused and curious:
Where is the lion, if he can’t see it?
Will the lion be with him all the time and everywhere he goes?
Does Mommy have a lion in her heart?
Dennis learns that there will always be times when we are frightened or nervous: at school or when we try something for the first time...or when we are orbiting to space! But the brave lion is inside all of our hearts, giving us the courage to conquer our fears.
"The Lion in Your Heart" book makes a thoughtful gift for children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and up. Great for bedtime, read aloud, confidence building, classroom discussions and improving children’s reading skills.
Dennis has moved to a new home and is scared to sleep alone in his room. Mommy explains that there is a friendly and dependable lion in his heart, always there to protect him. But Dennis is confused and curious:
Where is the lion, if he can’t see it?
Will the lion be with him all the time and everywhere he goes?
Does Mommy have a lion in her heart?
Dennis learns that there will always be times when we are frightened or nervous: at school or when we try something for the first time...or when we are orbiting to space! But the brave lion is inside all of our hearts, giving us the courage to conquer our fears.
"The Lion in Your Heart" book makes a thoughtful gift for children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and up. Great for bedtime, read aloud, confidence building, classroom discussions and improving children’s reading skills.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2021
About the author
R.C. Chizhov
8 books21 followersChildren’s book author R.C. Chizhov grew up in India and moved to New York in 2005 to pursue her higher education at Columbia University. She spent fourteen years as an investment banker before living her childhood dream of being an author.
She now lives in Florida, writing funny, empowering and heart-tugging stories that children can relate to. Her picture books, The Lion in Your Heart and Emu Town Stories have won several awards and accolades.
R.C. is represented by Lynnette Novak at Seymour Agency. She's a member of SCBWI.
Visit her on rcchizhov.com or follow her Instagram: @rc_chizhov_author or Twitter: @rc_chizhov
She now lives in Florida, writing funny, empowering and heart-tugging stories that children can relate to. Her picture books, The Lion in Your Heart and Emu Town Stories have won several awards and accolades.
R.C. is represented by Lynnette Novak at Seymour Agency. She's a member of SCBWI.
Visit her on rcchizhov.com or follow her Instagram: @rc_chizhov_author or Twitter: @rc_chizhov
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 5, 2022
My son absolutely loved this. Teaches kids confidence, bravery and resilience. I loved this as well. The graphics are so adorable as well. All around 5 star read!
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
January 11, 2022
Where is the lion, if he can’t see it?
Will the lion be with him all the time and everywhere he goes?
Does Mommy have a lion in her heart?
🦄🦄🦄
Dennis has moved to a new home and is scared to sleep alone in his room. Mommy tells him that there is a friendly and dependable lion in his heart, always there to protect him. But Dennis is confused and curious.
🦄🦄🦄
The Lion In Your Heart is a children's illustrated book by R.C. Chizhov and Anil Yap. A lion is always associated with being courageous and bold and in this children story a mother helps her child understand that just because he is alone he does not need to be scared. Fear comes from the unknown, and Dennis learns that just like a lion, he has courage in his heart. Trying something for the first time in may seem scary, and he may be scared of sleeping in his new room, but he knows he's safe and not alone and if he does feel unsafe, he can roar like a lion. This is a great book for children between the ages of 3-7 to help them understand how to be courageous and conquer their fears, but also voicing their opinion when they feel unsafe. It's also a great way to boost a child's reading skills and creative thinking through imagination.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
Will the lion be with him all the time and everywhere he goes?
Does Mommy have a lion in her heart?
🦄🦄🦄
Dennis has moved to a new home and is scared to sleep alone in his room. Mommy tells him that there is a friendly and dependable lion in his heart, always there to protect him. But Dennis is confused and curious.
🦄🦄🦄
The Lion In Your Heart is a children's illustrated book by R.C. Chizhov and Anil Yap. A lion is always associated with being courageous and bold and in this children story a mother helps her child understand that just because he is alone he does not need to be scared. Fear comes from the unknown, and Dennis learns that just like a lion, he has courage in his heart. Trying something for the first time in may seem scary, and he may be scared of sleeping in his new room, but he knows he's safe and not alone and if he does feel unsafe, he can roar like a lion. This is a great book for children between the ages of 3-7 to help them understand how to be courageous and conquer their fears, but also voicing their opinion when they feel unsafe. It's also a great way to boost a child's reading skills and creative thinking through imagination.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
October 7, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review. Wonderful, wonderful read for young children - I would recommend this to schools, libraries, parents, grandparents. Fun and imaginative story about conquering your fears without it being "too preachy". Makes you want to believe in the splendor of our world and its beauty.
October 9, 2021
As a teacher, I believe this will be a classic read for young kids and beneficial in building confidence. Would make a great discussion material in schools and libraries. The author uses a very effective tool of making an abstract concept like courage more understandable, keeping the fun intact.
*I received an advanced copy to provide an honest and independent review.
*I received an advanced copy to provide an honest and independent review.
December 3, 2021
Lion In Your Heart is a delightful tale about facing our fears. An inspiring and empowering story for young readers, it delves into the challenges we face when we are afraid and how we can conquer them, with a little help.
The help comes from a lion, bold and brave, who just so happens to live inside each and every one of us. This lion is in our heart. The lion is friendly and dependable and always there to protect us, as the author states. We may not be able to see it, but we can feel it inside ourselves.
Little Dennis has to find the lion in his own heart when he moves to a new house with his parents. Nothing is the same and that big change causes anxiety for Dennis. His room is different and his imagination runs wild, bringing his fears to life. His mother comes into his room and tells him the tale of his brave lion. When we are afraid, we can wake the lion and he will make our fear disappear. Dennis soon learns that even his mother has a lion in her heart that helps her face her fears.
This tale is a treat for adults to share with children. Fears and anxieties can cause emotional distress in little minds, but learning to awaken their own lion can help them to feel strong and confident even in the face of something scary, like show and tell, or spiders. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more. The cartoon-style illustrations were bright and bold, that will capture the attention of children. Bold fonts and simple prose will also make this the perfect book for an emerging reader to tackle on their own.
Incorporating social and emotional education into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. Everyone has fears, even adults. A valuable lesson for everyone to learn and remember. I absolutely recommend sharing this book with all the children in your life.
The help comes from a lion, bold and brave, who just so happens to live inside each and every one of us. This lion is in our heart. The lion is friendly and dependable and always there to protect us, as the author states. We may not be able to see it, but we can feel it inside ourselves.
Little Dennis has to find the lion in his own heart when he moves to a new house with his parents. Nothing is the same and that big change causes anxiety for Dennis. His room is different and his imagination runs wild, bringing his fears to life. His mother comes into his room and tells him the tale of his brave lion. When we are afraid, we can wake the lion and he will make our fear disappear. Dennis soon learns that even his mother has a lion in her heart that helps her face her fears.
This tale is a treat for adults to share with children. Fears and anxieties can cause emotional distress in little minds, but learning to awaken their own lion can help them to feel strong and confident even in the face of something scary, like show and tell, or spiders. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more. The cartoon-style illustrations were bright and bold, that will capture the attention of children. Bold fonts and simple prose will also make this the perfect book for an emerging reader to tackle on their own.
Incorporating social and emotional education into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. Everyone has fears, even adults. A valuable lesson for everyone to learn and remember. I absolutely recommend sharing this book with all the children in your life.
November 27, 2021
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Story: The world can be a scary place. Kids will experience fear inside and outside of their homes at some point. Whether they are scared of strange noises, the dark, or something else, R.C. Chizhov shows young readers how to defeat their fear. R.C. Chizhov tells them they all have a lion inside them who's strong and brave. If they embrace their inner lion, the child will become brave and strong too. I can practically hear many young children roaring each time the lion is shown.
Illustrations: I wasn't too keen on the people's faces; they came across as long and flat. However, I don't think children will care or notice. Overall, Anil Yap did a marvelous job bringing life into the story. As a parent with a child who loves space, I can already guess which adventure will be her favorite to read. :)
I would recommend this book for anyone with young children.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Story: The world can be a scary place. Kids will experience fear inside and outside of their homes at some point. Whether they are scared of strange noises, the dark, or something else, R.C. Chizhov shows young readers how to defeat their fear. R.C. Chizhov tells them they all have a lion inside them who's strong and brave. If they embrace their inner lion, the child will become brave and strong too. I can practically hear many young children roaring each time the lion is shown.
Illustrations: I wasn't too keen on the people's faces; they came across as long and flat. However, I don't think children will care or notice. Overall, Anil Yap did a marvelous job bringing life into the story. As a parent with a child who loves space, I can already guess which adventure will be her favorite to read. :)
I would recommend this book for anyone with young children.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
November 13, 2021
The Lion in Your Heart by R. C. Chizhov is a wonderful short children's book that tries to instill some moral values to its young readers. The story is about Dennis. He moves to a new home, in a new room. At first night, he thinks that an owl is sitting at the window. He is scared and unable to sleep, thus, he calls out for his mother.
Mommy says that there is no one in his room except a lion. How? Next, the story is about the lion that everyone has in their hearts. Through examples of storm and sea, miracles and courage, Dennis gets the point of being stronger from inside.
The way the author presented the concept of self-belief and being bold in all circumstances is captivating. The concept of the inside lion is materialized perfectly. The book is short to read and one can also enjoy its lovely and colourful illustrations.
It is captivating right since its first page, whether Kindle or paperback it is a heartwarming story of a little boy who is learning to be stronger and courageous with a malleable heart. Watch out what happens to Dennis? Will he learn something good from the lion inside him?
This book is a perfect gift for children that not only entertain but also teach them some valuable life lessons. Overall, a fun and fast read with a very good message.
Mommy says that there is no one in his room except a lion. How? Next, the story is about the lion that everyone has in their hearts. Through examples of storm and sea, miracles and courage, Dennis gets the point of being stronger from inside.
The way the author presented the concept of self-belief and being bold in all circumstances is captivating. The concept of the inside lion is materialized perfectly. The book is short to read and one can also enjoy its lovely and colourful illustrations.
It is captivating right since its first page, whether Kindle or paperback it is a heartwarming story of a little boy who is learning to be stronger and courageous with a malleable heart. Watch out what happens to Dennis? Will he learn something good from the lion inside him?
This book is a perfect gift for children that not only entertain but also teach them some valuable life lessons. Overall, a fun and fast read with a very good message.
November 14, 2021
Lovely story, simple and easy to understand for kids. Hope kids reading this story learn to realize the loin in themselves and also wake the lion in their friends. Lions do like to sleep a lot, they need to be woken up as and when needed :).
November 12, 2021
Great book for kids afraid of sleeping in their own room. A gem!
October 14, 2021
This relatable and comforting bedtime story follows a young boy and his fear of sleeping in a new bedroom after his family moves to a new home. The unfamiliar noises and shadows at night frighten him. His mother tells him he doesn’t have to be afraid because he has something special inside that always watches over him. It’s a lion in his heart, giving him courage and bravery. The boy can call on this lion whenever he is feeling frightened or nervous and his fear will disappear.
Being afraid of the dark and sleeping alone is a common childhood dilemma. With so many children struggling with this fear, families will love this warm and positive story that they can share together. The playful and upbeat illustrations help to bring a cheer to this story and the author’s text is something every family can relate to. This fun book will be one to return to again and again, even when their bedtime fear is a memory. I highly recommend this sweet and entertaining story to families and to educators of young children. A lovely read-aloud.
Being afraid of the dark and sleeping alone is a common childhood dilemma. With so many children struggling with this fear, families will love this warm and positive story that they can share together. The playful and upbeat illustrations help to bring a cheer to this story and the author’s text is something every family can relate to. This fun book will be one to return to again and again, even when their bedtime fear is a memory. I highly recommend this sweet and entertaining story to families and to educators of young children. A lovely read-aloud.
October 3, 2021
What an absolutely lovely and adorable book!
RC Chizhov has written a truly heartwarming story about a little boy Dennis who is feeling anxious after moving homes. His mother helps him realise he always has the strength and courage of a little lion inside him - no matter what situation he finds himself in.
The illustrations are beautifully done and nicely complement the message of the story, adding soul to the book.
The author has made a very strong debut, and I will be watching out for her future publications.
This book is an instant children's classic! I would recommend this to be on every kid's bookshelf, I know I'm going to gift it to everyone 😃
RC Chizhov has written a truly heartwarming story about a little boy Dennis who is feeling anxious after moving homes. His mother helps him realise he always has the strength and courage of a little lion inside him - no matter what situation he finds himself in.
The illustrations are beautifully done and nicely complement the message of the story, adding soul to the book.
The author has made a very strong debut, and I will be watching out for her future publications.
This book is an instant children's classic! I would recommend this to be on every kid's bookshelf, I know I'm going to gift it to everyone 😃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
"The Lion in Your Heart" book is a great fusion of easy language and beautiful illustrations. It helps to conquer the most common fear in children. I wish it was translated into Russian language on day.
October 1, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy to provide an honest review. Engaging, fun and relatable story!
We all have fears and so does the main character, Dennis. Interesting take on how to deal with our fears when we experience something new or unexpected. I would recommend this to parents, caregivers and teachers.
We all have fears and so does the main character, Dennis. Interesting take on how to deal with our fears when we experience something new or unexpected. I would recommend this to parents, caregivers and teachers.
October 3, 2021
Beautifully written! Such a simple idea to encourage not just children but anyone really to face their fear, to draw strength from within. The illustrations are lovely and complement the content really well. I know this book will stay with me for a long time :)
October 4, 2021
Received an advanced reader copy to provide a review: An Inspiring, emotional story. Easy language and outstanding illustrations make it a perfect reading for 3+. My 5 year old son totally loved it. Can’t wait to see more work done by R.C.Chizhov.
October 4, 2021
The Lion in Your Heart, is a fun and inspiring story for children to explore their fears. The illustrations are beautifully done and fit perfectly with the story. I can recommend the book to both parents, caregivers, and teachers.
October 12, 2021
A nice and sweet read! Amazing book for the little ones who want to conquer their fears.
Great start R.C.Chizhov!
Great start R.C.Chizhov!
June 5, 2023
Cartoon like illustrations and imaginative ideas will appeal to both kids and adults.
Author, R. C. Chizhov, has created an early reader picture book that will challenge the vocabulary of its intended audience while allowing their creativity and imagination to run free.
Most youngsters will require assistance from seasoned readers who will enjoy plenty of opportunities to encourage exploring and conquering possible fears or just having some time of fun pretending to be an astronaut, firefighter, surfer, etc.
This young author is highly motivated and has an excellent website where I discovered there’s a coloring book called, “I Am Brave”, featuring the lion from this story. She’s packaged the two books together as a bundle and provides a discount when purchased together.
“The Lion in Your Heart” would make a fine addition to any family library 📚
Author, R. C. Chizhov, has created an early reader picture book that will challenge the vocabulary of its intended audience while allowing their creativity and imagination to run free.
Most youngsters will require assistance from seasoned readers who will enjoy plenty of opportunities to encourage exploring and conquering possible fears or just having some time of fun pretending to be an astronaut, firefighter, surfer, etc.
This young author is highly motivated and has an excellent website where I discovered there’s a coloring book called, “I Am Brave”, featuring the lion from this story. She’s packaged the two books together as a bundle and provides a discount when purchased together.
“The Lion in Your Heart” would make a fine addition to any family library 📚
June 7, 2022
I won this book as a goodreads giveaway.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful for kids.
I enjoyed the story. The mom is encouraging her son to be brave and courageous and uses a lion as a symbol to help him overcome his fears...anytime anywhere.
The examples provided of times that a child may be nervous or scared were really relevant to all kids (from riding a bike, to school assignments, to being an astronaut).
The lion will help provide him confidence to overcome his anxiety and fear when faced with difficult life situations.
I think this is a great book for kids!
The illustrations in this book are wonderful for kids.
I enjoyed the story. The mom is encouraging her son to be brave and courageous and uses a lion as a symbol to help him overcome his fears...anytime anywhere.
The examples provided of times that a child may be nervous or scared were really relevant to all kids (from riding a bike, to school assignments, to being an astronaut).
The lion will help provide him confidence to overcome his anxiety and fear when faced with difficult life situations.
I think this is a great book for kids!
February 8, 2022
Be a courageous lion
Every child needs this book. A story about a little boy that’s afraid of falling asleep and how his mother teaches him a beautiful way to conquer that fear. We all must be lions no matter how old we are. Be brave and courageous overcome fear. A beautiful story that my children and I enjoyed very much. We all need this book in our home library.
Every child needs this book. A story about a little boy that’s afraid of falling asleep and how his mother teaches him a beautiful way to conquer that fear. We all must be lions no matter how old we are. Be brave and courageous overcome fear. A beautiful story that my children and I enjoyed very much. We all need this book in our home library.
May 4, 2022
My niece loved it
While I wasn't crazy about the tilted words, they were eye catching for the intended audience. I thought the vocabulary level was good for a 6 year old. The length of a book was good and the illustrations were good. I would definitely recommend this book
While I wasn't crazy about the tilted words, they were eye catching for the intended audience. I thought the vocabulary level was good for a 6 year old. The length of a book was good and the illustrations were good. I would definitely recommend this book
April 17, 2022
Great for children
The theme of the story is about courage and a lion being used as a symbol for it. Dennis was afraid to sleep in his new bedroom and his mother told him that there was a lion by side to give him the strength to sleep through the night. And other examples of the inner lions in doctors, firefighters, nurses and people in the armed forces. Good story.
The theme of the story is about courage and a lion being used as a symbol for it. Dennis was afraid to sleep in his new bedroom and his mother told him that there was a lion by side to give him the strength to sleep through the night. And other examples of the inner lions in doctors, firefighters, nurses and people in the armed forces. Good story.
June 9, 2022
Sweet story
A simple story that helps children see just how brave they can be. Most of our fears are just in our imagination so to give a child an imaginary friend to be with him brings him security. Love this book!
A simple story that helps children see just how brave they can be. Most of our fears are just in our imagination so to give a child an imaginary friend to be with him brings him security. Love this book!
March 8, 2022
Roar!
This is a great bed time story for a toddler. My son had me read it every night and just before he went to sleep, we did a little roar goodnight. Lovely little book!
This is a great bed time story for a toddler. My son had me read it every night and just before he went to sleep, we did a little roar goodnight. Lovely little book!
Read
November 23, 2021I enjoyed this sweet book about being afraid of the dark. Many children go through periods of being afraid of the dark, and it can be quite worrisome. This book helps the child find inner strength and confidence that he or she can call on when they become afraid.
The book has numerous examples of how the child in the story uses his ‘inner lion’ to overcome his fears. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, while helping to further explain the story.
I think that any young child would love this book. It would serve as a good bedtime story, as that is often when children become afraid.
I received this advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
The book has numerous examples of how the child in the story uses his ‘inner lion’ to overcome his fears. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, while helping to further explain the story.
I think that any young child would love this book. It would serve as a good bedtime story, as that is often when children become afraid.
I received this advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
August 12, 2022
I won this as a Goodreads giveaway- actually quite some time ago. But I am happy we waited to read it. My 3 yr old is now in his big bed and there are monsters and ghosts, etc ALL THE TIME. Mama needs her sleep! We cycle through all of our books so we don't re read the same book every day and all of our books get some attention, but for awhile, this book will be read nightly so he learns he has a lion in his heart.
This book is super adorable and if you have the type of child who is scared of EVERYTHING, like mine, this book is AMAZING!
This book is super adorable and if you have the type of child who is scared of EVERYTHING, like mine, this book is AMAZING!
May 18, 2024
In The Lion in Your Heart, author R.C. Chizhov gives caregivers a way to soothe a frightened child by telling them to think of themselves as the king of the jungle. No matter what situation they find themselves in, conjuring up the lion will bring on the bravery. A lion itself can be frightening, but art by Anil Yap makes it an encouraging and smiling creature. This book will spark talking points while helping a child fall asleep in a new room.
June 7, 2022
A wonderful story
What a wonderful story!! My grandson loved this book. He was roaring like the lion in his heart. The illustrations are very nice. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!!
What a wonderful story!! My grandson loved this book. He was roaring like the lion in his heart. The illustrations are very nice. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!!
June 15, 2022
Thank you to Goodreads for this advanced copy! I read this to my 7 year old daughter and she loved it! She especially liked how it brought in that parents also have some fears just like kids! I liked how it encourages them to face their fears and be brave because Everyone has a Lion in them 🥰
July 31, 2022
This is a nice little book intended for the preschooler that teaches that bravery comes from within one's own character. It has lovely illustrations and would make a good bedtime read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews