Since its publication in 2015, Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s book, The Lion Inside, has sold over five million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 42 languages. The story is about a shy little mouse who is fed up of being ignored by the other animals in the savanna. Determined to find his roar, he sets off to seek the help of the lion who lives nearby - but what if the lion decides he wants to eat the mouse for dinner? Whether you have The Lion Inside read aloud to you or you read it for yourself, this is a powerful story that gives both children and their grownups lots to think and talk about.

Finding courage

It takes a lot of courage for a small, shy person to approach a big, loud one. The mouse is a quiet sort of creature, but this means he’s often overlooked and left out. The lion, meanwhile, is loud and bossy, often showing off and asserting his importance with his enormous roar. This is a tale about plucking up courage, not only to ask for help but also to approach someone intimidating. While children don’t need to worry about being eaten when they seek advice, the analogy is a great one. It can feel scary to step out of your comfort zone and make a change, especially when it involves talking to someone you who seems so confident and unlike yourself. But, as the story reminds us, change has to come from within, and taking a chance can bring results that are even better than we imagined.

Fear is normal

We expect a book on lion-like courage to show us a small mouse feeling scared. But what we don’t expect is that when the mouse reaches the top of the rock, it’s the lion who jumps back in fear. While this is a moment told with humour, it gives a powerful message: that even those who seem most confident can feel scared sometimes. The story shows children that no matter how big or small you are, no matter how shy or outgoing, fear is a normal emotion when we are faced with something unknown or unexpected. This gives them space to both experience and name feelings of fear without shame. It also makes the gentle suggestion that sometimes the things we are scared of are completely harmless and may even turn out to be good for us.

See The Lion Inside on stage

This award-winning book about a lion and a mouse forming an unlikely friendship has been adapted for the stage by Sarah Punshon, and is playing at Chichester Festival Theatre in February 2027. Telling the story with charming puppetry, songs and dancing, it brings Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s world to life for young children, helping them to explore the messages and discover the magic of theatre. Book your tickets today and enjoy a fantastic family day out.