Lion Down

Reach for this book when your child is starting to question the motives of adults or feels frustrated by unfair accusations. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who loves animals but is ready for a more sophisticated mystery that explores how media and politics can distort the truth. In this fifth installment of the FunJungle series, Teddy Fitzroy must prove that a mountain lion is being framed for an attack on a local dog. The story tackles complex themes of justice, conservation, and the importance of scientific evidence over public opinion. While it is a high-stakes adventure, it maintains a humorous tone that makes heavy topics like habitat loss and human-animal conflict accessible. Parents will appreciate how it models critical thinking and the courage required to stand up for what is right, even when the rest of the community is looking for a scapegoat. It is perfectly suited for ages 8 to 12.