When Lions Roar

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the tension between wanting independence and needing the security of home. It is a perfect choice for the youngster who feels overlooked or small in a world built for adults, offering a metaphorical lens through which to explore self-reliance and identity. The story follows Stuart, a mouse born into a human family, as he bravely faces domestic obstacles and eventually ventures into the wide world on a quest for friendship. Stuart Little is a sophisticated yet accessible bridge between early readers and middle-grade fiction. It normalizes the feeling of being different while celebrating the quiet courage it takes to pursue one's own path. Parents will appreciate how it treats a child's inner life with dignity, using Stuart's size as a powerful symbol for the challenges of growing up.