Nani and the Lion
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

Nani and the Lion

Written by Alicia D. Williams · Illustrated by Anna Cunha

A young drummer defies a noise-hating ruler to bring joy back to her village.

4.1 Goodreads · 103 ratings
40 pages· ~520L
$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Nani's drumming fills her village with life and joy, but when the noise-hating Lion bans all sound, fear silences the villagers. With only her drum and courage, Nani must challenge the Lion's rule to restore happiness. Can her rhythm outsmart the grumpy king and revive the village's spirit?

From the publisher

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award winner Alicia D. Williams comes a rhythmic picture book about an irrepressible little drummer determined to outwit the grumpy, noise-hating Lion. Nani loves to drum. Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. Her music captures the sounds of life, rustles the forest leaves, rouses all the critters, and never fails to get the villagers up and dancing, dancing, dancing. But one day, they’re too scared to dance. Lion, king of the land, has outlawed noisemaking of any kind. The villagers beg her to stay quiet. Nani’s heart pounds with fear, but her love for drumming beats more loudly. To keep playing her music and bringing joy to her village, Nani must stand up to the biggest bully around armed with only courage, quick thinking, and her drum.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
40
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~520L
The author

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Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.4
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
February 3, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781665914222

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