Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back

By Shel Silverstein

A lion becomes a sharpshooter, but is fame true happiness?

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,503 ratings

112 pages· 9,214 words· Est. 1 hour read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Lafcadio, a young lion, faces a hunter and a life-changing decision. After mastering the hunter's gun, he becomes a celebrated sharpshooter, indulging in luxury and marshmallows. Yet, amidst the fame and admiration, Lafcadio questions his true identity and happiness. Is he still a lion, or has he lost something essential? This whimsical fable by Shel Silverstein invites readers to ponder the nature of success and self-discovery, blending humor with profound insights. As Lafcadio navigates his new world, the story challenges us to consider what truly defines who we are.

From the publisher

Shel Silverstein’s first children’s book, _Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back_—a whimsical tale of self-discovery and marshmallows—is turning fifty with a return to the vintage full-color cover.

Is a famous, successful, and admired lion a happy lion? Or is he a lion at all? Written and drawn with wit and gusto, Shel Silverstein’s modern fable speaks not only to children but to us all!

First published in 1963, this book had rave reviews from the New York Times, Time magazine, and Publishers Weekly, as well as a starred review from Kirkus. Now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, Lafcadio is being reissued with a full-color cover featuring vintage art from Shel Silverstein discovered in the archives.

Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back is the book that started Shel Silverstein’s incomparable career as a bestselling children’s book author and illustrator. He is also the creator of picture books such as A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don’t Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit.

And don’t miss Runny Babbit Returns, the new bookk from Shel Silverstein!

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