Have you ever felt too small, too shy or too scared to do something? Don’t worry, you're not alone. In The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, a tiny mouse wishes he could be brave like a mighty lion. But when he finally meets the lion, he discovers something surprising: even big, powerful creatures get frightened. This heart-warming lion book teaches us that courage comes in all shapes and sizes. Ready to find your own roar? Try these seven fun activities.

1. Turn worrying thoughts into positive ones

Sometimes our thoughts make challenges seem scarier. The mouse could have decided he was too small to approach the lion. Instead, he found the courage to try. Practise changing unhelpful thoughts into encouraging ones:

• "This is too scary" becomes "This is challenging, but I can try"
• "I'm no good at this" becomes "I can improve with practice"
• "I can't do it" becomes "I can't do it yet!"

2. Practise your lion moves

In the story, the lion struts about and stands in confident postures. Try three different lion poses:

• The Mighty Lion – Stand tall with your hands on your hips and imagine you're the king of the jungle!
• The Proud Lion – Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and stretch your arms towards the sky.
• The Brave Lion – Stand tall, look straight ahead and smile confidently.

Hold each pose for 10-15 seconds. Which makes you feel most powerful?

3. Become the mouse and the lion

It's time for some acting.

Ask a friend or family member to help you recreate the some of the scenes from the story. Take turns playing the mouse and lion and think about how each character feels. What is the mouse saying to himself as climbs the rock? How does he feel as he approaches the lion? Why might the lion be frightened of the little mouse? Try using different voices and expressions to show their feelings.

4. Create a bravery jar

Find an empty jar and decorate it with pictures of lions, mice and stars. Whenever you do something brave, write it on a piece of paper and pop it inside. Maybe you spoke to someone new or tried unfamiliar food. Read your notes whenever you need reminding how courageous you are.

5. Take the mouse's courage challenge

The mouse climbs a huge rock to meet the lion, even though he's afraid. What's your own big challenge? Choose something you'd like to try, such as learning to swim or do a cartwheel. Break it into small steps and celebrate each achievement. Remember, you don't have to do everything at once!

6. Draw your inner lion

Grab some paper and colourful pencils. Draw a lion that represents your bravest self. Give it a magnificent mane and a big, friendly smile. Around your picture, write three things you're proud of.

7. Share your roar!

The mouse discovers that being brave doesn't mean being loud. Practise speaking up by telling someone about your favourite hobby, sharing an idea or asking for help. Start with someone you trust such as a parent, friend or teacher.

Discover the lion inside you!

If you’d like to enjoy this heartwarming book about a mouse and a lion read aloud, don’t miss The Lion Inside stage show. Aimed at kids aged three and up, it retells Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s story with songs, dancing and puppetry. View 2027 tour dates and venues online and book The Lion Inside tickets today.