The city roared like a jungle.
Leonie roared back at the city.
She shook her mane and swished her tail.
She was a lion girl.

Leonie and her mother are off to the big city!
Inspired by the people, sights and sounds, Leonie can’t wait to discover it all.
Her mother tells her to stay close, but there’s SO much to see.
And surely nothing can scare a brave lion girl, can it?

A wild, spirited tale of imagination and self-belief, beautifully brought to life by Fiona Woodcock.

A gorgeous story about female courage and parental love * Abi Elphinstone *
A wonderful story that champions the cheerleaders, the hand-holders and the protectors who stand by our sides as we grow, change, and discover the lion inside * INIS Magazine *
A glorious fantasy in which make belief facilitates personal growth, and Fiona Woodcock's misty dreamlike painted illustrations are the perfect accompaniment * Irish Times *
Beautifully illustrated, dreamy landscapes. Leonie is a brave little lion girl… [but] eventually her day trip ... into the big city feels overwhelming and she's glad of snuggly cuddles with mum as they make their way home after such an exciting new experience * Nicci Rosengarten, Happy Reading Children's Bookshop *
Filled with vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life ... a lovely story about strength, courage and overcoming fear * Armadillo Magazine *
A wonderful story that champions the cheerleaders, the hand-holders and the protectors who stand by our sides as we grow, change and discover the lion inside * Recommended Irish Reads 2024 *
Olivia Hope’s charming picture book encourages young girls to be confident and courageous, and each page bustles with urban life in Fiona Woodcock’s colourful illustrations * Sunday Times *

Olivia Hope is an Irish writer with a special love for fiction about wild children. Before becoming an author, she was a teacher, creative arts facilitator and even an international athlete. She currently lives in the wilds of Southwest Ireland with her family. Her first picture book was Be Wild, Little One, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (Bloomsbury 2022).

Fiona Woodcock is an illustrator and picture book author. She studied Graphic Communication at Glasgow School of Art and for many years worked in animation. Her debut book Hiding Heidi was nominated for the 2017 Kate Greenaway award. Look was the winner of the AOI World Illustration Awards 2019, and A Dot In The Snow by Corrinne Averiss was selected as one of 'The Times Children's Books of the Year 2016' and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award 2018. Fiona lives in London.