Lion Needs a Haircut

A parent might reach for this book when their toddler or preschooler is showing fear or anxiety about getting their first haircut, or any new, slightly scary experience. The story follows a little lion whose mane is a shaggy mess. He needs a haircut, but he is very scared of the snippy scissors and the loud buzzing razor. In a gentle and reassuring role reversal, his dad, who also needs a trim, decides to go first to show his son that there is nothing to fear. By watching his brave dad, Little Lion gathers the courage to take his own turn in the chair. This warm and humorous book is perfect for ages 3 to 6. It masterfully normalizes childhood anxiety and demonstrates the power of a parent's calm modeling. Hyewon Yum's charming illustrations beautifully capture the lion's big emotions, from wide-eyed worry to post-haircut pride, making it a comforting and relatable read for any child facing a new challenge.