Renato and the Lion

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, such as moving to a new home or leaving behind something they love deeply. This gentle story follows Renato, a young boy in Florence during World War II who must leave his favorite stone lion behind to escape the war. Through Renato's imagination and soft watercolor illustrations, the story explores how the things we love stay with us in our hearts even when we are far away. It is a beautiful choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are processing feelings of sadness, fear, or the uncertainty of big life changes. Parents will appreciate how it frames bravery not as the absence of fear, but as carrying your memories and creativity forward into a new world.