The Happy Lion

The lion at the little French zoo is a favorite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him tidbits and say, “Bonjour, Happy Lion.” Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbors in return. But, wait—sacré bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror?

“Louise Fatio’s timeless tale about friendship still sparkles and Roger Duvoisin’s elegant illustrations are as engaging as ever in this 50th Anniversary edition.” —School Library Journal

The Washington Post

In this welcome anniversary edition, he still discovers, to his disappointment, that those friendly folk are not nearly so happy to see him loose, and he is still cheered when innocent little François hails him on the main street with the familiar greeting: "Bonjour, Happy Lion." Roger Duvoisin's whimsical illustrations, in lion-like colors of tawny yellow and orange, remain irresistible. — Elizabeth Ward

Louise Fatio collaborated with her famous illustrator husband, Roger Duvoisin, on The Happy Lion, one of the most beloved stories of the mid-20th century. Long unavailable, it was reissued in a hardcover edition to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2004. She was born in Switzerland in 1904 and died in New Jersey in 1993.

Roger Duvoisin, a Caldecott Medal winner, wrote and illustrated 40 books, including those featuring Veronica the conspicuous hippopotamus and Petunia the silly goose. He collaborated with his wife, Louise Fatio, on nine more Happy Lion stories. He was born in Switzerland in 1904 and died in New Jersey in 1980.