A Lion in Paris

Description

A Lion in Paris

Beatrice Alemagna

(Tate Publishing)

‘He arrived in Paris by train‘… and so begins Lion’s experience of this inspiring city. Thereafter, we experience his impressions of people, landmarks and incidents through his explorations. It seems that while he seeks to be seen, he is a stranger and scared. Therefore, how will he take it when he seems overwhelmed and then overlooked? Could it be that Lion’s only a traveller, incidental to the magnificence of this city. Then again, might the city be the most important part to Lion’s experience, so that he might relish the opportunity so much that he wallows in places such as the Café de Flare, for example?

It seems that Beatrice Alemagna is similarly entranced by this city. After all, isn’t it a Parisian backdrop that we feel in Harold Snipperpot’s Best Disaster Ever isn’t the magnificent size and the glory of the creature character and setting a tribute too? It seems to be a destiny! Furthermore, what of the landmarks that Lion’s keen to experience, from the Tour d’Eiffel to Sacré Cœur, for example! (Take care here, for Lion’s exhausted by these steps!) Although he’s a size, and then he’s the only one of his kind, Lion’s alone at each stage. It doesn’t matter when he roars while riding the Mètro- it’s as though he’s invisible. Thereafter, Lion’s left to be his own company, albeit with readers as his companions. Therefore, he must meet himself, be his own companion and thereafter absorb this wonderful picture book experience for himself.