People love books about traditionally "tough" or large animals dancing. And e expect them to follow a particular path in of the characters learning not to care what others think about them. Brian differs a little from that outline. He has a lot of shame about his dancing. He feels very strongly that he has to follow certain behaviors and to talk about certain topics, to follow the life of a traditional predator. He has to learn to overcome his perception of societal pressure and do the thing that brings him joy. There are enough unique elements in this story to help i stand out in the world of self-acceptance stories.

Brian the lion loves to dance, but worries that means he isn’t “brave and strong and fierce.” He hears about a dance competition from other animals and decides he wants to participate, to show dancing is for everyone. His fierce friends, including a rhino, alligator, and ape, support him by helping him put on a show, which is a nice message for children to hear. The charming watercolor illustrations on white backgrounds depict animals without clothing but living in “human” homes. This would work well for a dance storytime and to address gender stereotypes in a subtle way. ARC

Brian the lion LOVES to dance. But, lions are supposed to be brave, and strong, and fierce - and dancing requires none of those things.

Or does it?

This is a sweet tale about a lion discovering that letting others see the real you is sometime the bravest thing you can do.

With illustrations by the author.

It is a good storybook for children who cherish their dreams to do something different. Doing what you love most is the best thing to live a meaningful life.

Brian, the lion, was first shy to admit his passion for dancing. His friends helped Brian to discover his inner passion.

Nice illustrations help children to follow the story easily.

Loved this story of the lion who loved to dance even though it wasn't fierce or loud or tough. Such a cute story, perfectly illustrated.

Brian the Dancing Lion is a sweet book about being yourself and facing down stereotypes.

The friends' dialogue is a little heavy-handed at the end, which I only mention because I have parents who specifically ask for books that aren't "preachy". I think <i>Brian</i> balances being heartfelt and having a message well.

I loved the illustrations as well!

Brian is a lion who is supposed to be brave and fierce. He isn't supposed to like to dance- what would his friends think?!

This story is about overcoming insecurities and becoming accepting of who you are and what you like regardless of others' opinions. I loved that the other animals also had hobbies that weren't what you would expect them to like and how they all came together to celebrate Brian's talent. This is a great story for preschool- 2nd grade.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Capstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

Brian is a lion who loves to dance. He is worried about his friends finding out in case they don’t think he is brave and strong, like a lion should be. When he can’t stop his foot tapping to some music, his secret is out and Brian flees in embarrassment. His friends are proud of him showing all of himself, and reveal their own unexpected pastimes. Use in the classroom to discuss being yourself, self-expression and not changing just to fit in with others.

A very cute story about Brian, a lion who loves to dance but fears his friends might find it quite un-lionly. He hopes competing in a dance competition might change the way they think, but it's possible he may not have given his friends, or himself, enough credit.

This is a wonderful tale about being unabashedly who you are and trusting and expecting your friends to be supportive. Brian learns a great lesson and young readers will find the tale very relatable. Along with a fantastic message, the text includes very expressive language that will be a great vocabulary-builder for students. The illustrations are fun and lively and will definitely hold attention.

This would be an awesome addition to preschool and elementary school and classroom libraries and would make a great circle time read!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Thank you Capstone publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this delightful book! I read it on NetGalley. Emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and friendship, this wonderful story is a great anytime read aloud.

This was a fantastic picture book about a lion who loves to dance but hides it from all of his friends as it doesn't fit with his image as a brave and strong lion. In the end his friends find out and are proud of him and happy for him for his interest. There were so many valuable discussions to come from just this one picture book - the value of true friendship, the importance of accepting yourself, how each person can be many things and have many interests and none of them negate the other true things about ourselves. The message and the story was absolutely perfect for young children.

The simple artwork was bright, cheerful and whimsical and definitely appealed to my two year old. My son enjoyed this one and I enjoyed reading a story that was so important. It was extra special for us because my son loves to dance. He loved the ultimate message that Lion could dance and still be strong and brave and fierce and that his wonderful dancing made him more of these things not less.

Five stars.

📚Book Review📚
Brian the Dancing Lion by Tom Tinn-Disbury @tom_tinndisbury

Brian the Lion loves dancing but is concerned that his friends will make fun of him because he is supposed to do strong and fierce “Lion” things, and he doesn’t think that includes dancing. This is an adorable book and be a wonderful addition to our collection. I also have a couple of fierce young boys, one who loves dancing,🩰 and the other whose favorite color is pink and is obsessed with sharks and unicorns. 🦈🦄 I also love the message this book has of bucking expectations without needing to label those things as masculine or feminine. I especially appreciate that. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this when it hits the shelves February 1, 2022!

Brian the lion loves to dance but all of his friends think he loves to roar and other lion things. He secretly dances and is afraid that if his friends find out that they will think less of him. When a dancing competition comes, he puts away his fears and dances and he finds out that his friends are more interesting than he thought.

A story about friendship and supporting our friends in their likes and dislikes. Discovering who you are with what you like to do and not to do. A great conversation with children and their parents.

A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Yes Brian!

Children will absolutely be inspired by this (adorable) lion who loves to dance but scared what others will think of him!

What a wonderful message. I also feel the illustrations are well done and appropriately restores the each animal.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for providing me with this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Brian the lion loves to dance, but is afraid of what his friends might think because lions are supposed to be fierce. When a big dance competition comes up, will he be able to show the other animals his true passion?
This was a great book! The illustrations were well done, and I loved that the character of Brian had a passion that was unexpected for a lion. He initially struggles, but overcomes it all and finds the confidence he needs to be his true self. This is a great message for kids about knowing who you are and not letting the opinions of others influence who you want to be. Brian’s friends turned out to be very supportive, and even had secret passions of their own. All of them work together to put on a fabulous show for the rest of the animals. A wonderful book about living your truth and not changing yourself just to fit in. Be who you want to be!

I love the positive, encouraging message of this book. Brian has a great passion for dancing and because he is a lion he feels that if his friends found out they would mock and laugh at him. After all, lions are supposed to be brave, and strong and ferocious. Brian hides his dance moves from his friends keeping it his secret.

Brian discovers there is a dancing competition and he decides to bravely enter the contest and finally reveal his true self. Will his friends accept and appreciate the real Brian for who he is or will they reject him?

The author has done a wonderful job of highlighting the grandness of celebrating who you are created to be. He showcases: "the importance of believing in yourself, trusting your friends, and dancing at every opportunity." The illustrations are beautiful and Brian is adorable. I highly recommend this inspirational book! I love it!

This story follows Brain the Lion who loves to dance but lions aren’t supposed to do anything that isn’t brave, loyal and strong. Breaking these stereotypical archetype character roles Brian is an example of following your passions and discovering that those who truly care about you will support you no matter what. The illustrations are adorable and overall this is an inspirational book with a good message for all readers.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I picked this book because it reminded me of Dogs Don't Do Ballet and Giraffes Can't Dance. I was absolutely correct, this book is like those titles, but it is magnificent all the same. This is BEAUTIFUL. In every sense. Wonderful artwork and a brilliant story. The "never be ashamed of who you are" tales are my favourite because I think it's such an important lesson for everyone of every age to learn. It's an inspiring and humbling story and I am here for it. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Capstone Editions for providing an ARC of Brian the Dancing Lion in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a sweet story about a lion who hides his passion for dance, because he thinks he always has to be brave and strong and fierce in front of his friends. I love how the story progresses, from Brian hiding his talents out of embarrassment and apprehension, to his friends finding out and encouraging him to dance, then finally to Brian his friends sharing their talents together to create something special. An uplifting message with sweet illustrations, this is perfect for Pre-K through 2nd grade, and a good reminder for the adults sharing this story with their littles, too!

I am actually surprised with how much I ended up loving this storybook!

It just tells a story about our insecurities and about how others would judge us if we act like our true self.

Such an impactful story with beautiful illustrations.

I felt so much happier after reading the book.

Thank you author, artist and the publisher for the advance reading copy.