About This Book
Shel Silverstein's classic tale, narrated by "Uncle Shelby," follows Lafcadio, a young lion who, after a chance encounter with a hunter, learns to shoot a rifle. His unique skill leads him to leave the jungle for a life of fame and fortune in the circus. As he adopts human ways, he grapples with his identity, eventually realizing he's neither fully a lion nor fully a man. This poignant and humorous story explores themes of belonging, identity, and the consequences of trying to fit into a world that isn't quite your own. It's a wonderful book for sparking conversations with elementary and middle school children about self-discovery and finding one's place.
After leaving the jungle for the circus and a life of fame and wealth, a lion who taught himself to be the best shot in the world discovers he's not really a lion anymore, and not really a man, either.
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Scary Scenes
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Lafcadio decided to learn how to shoot a gun instead of running away like the other lions?
2
How did Lafcadio change when he lived in the city and joined the circus? What did he gain, and what did he lose?
3
Why do you think Lafcadio felt like he didn't belong with the lions or the hunters at the end of the story?
4
Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in somewhere? What did that feel like?
5
What do you think happened to Lafcadio after he walked away?
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