What happens when the future king of the lions dreams of playing music instead of leading his pride? The young cub’s behavior scandalizes the inhabitants of the savanna. Instead of following in his father’s very large shadow, hunting stealthily and roaring menacingly, he blows melodious notes. This break in the assumed order distresses his father and worries the other animals. It just will not do. In the future, who will keep them safe?

His dad, the current king, composes a list of all the characteristics needed by a future king. The cub is crestfallen. How can he meet his father’s demands and still follow his dreams? He is torn between making his father happy and fulfilling his destiny and responsibility as the Future King. Young readers will recognize a common spirit in the young cub’s words, “Oh, how sad it is when no one understands you.”

On a proverbial stormy day, while soothing himself with his music, the cub hears an animal crying for help. He immediately dashes in to rescue the frightened creature

Adoption Attunement Perspective

Often children’s ideas of what interests children runs counter to parental expectations. This happens more often in adoptive families because they share different DNA lineages. The child’s aptitudes, interests, and skills are not necessarily in sync with a parent’s desires for the child. The family must work to find ways in which the child can flourish and in which they can mesh as a family. This sweet story models a solution and helps lay out a sample approach. Cub and king struggle to find a middle path–one which fulfills the cub and works for all. He becomes “The Happiest Lion Cub”!