Le lion – French Children’s Book | Ages 10–14 (Middle School)

In the vast plains of Kenya, a young girl named Patricia lives an extraordinary friendship with a lion she has raised since its cub days. But when the wild and human worlds collide, both must face the limits of freedom, love, and loyalty. Le lion is a poetic and powerful story of connection between nature and humanity.

Story highlights

• The classic adventure novel by Joseph Kessel, beautifully written and accessible to young readers.

• Set in the breathtaking landscape of East Africa, where animals, rangers, and local tribes share fragile harmony.

• Explores themes of friendship, courage, wilderness, and the delicate balance between taming and respecting nature.

• A timeless French literary masterpiece that blends emotional depth with thrilling storytelling.

Perfect for

• Readers ages 10–14 who enjoy animal stories, travel adventures, and character-driven fiction.

• Families introducing older children to classic French literature.

• French and bilingual classrooms studying narrative fiction, ethics, or environmental themes.

• Gift-givers looking for an inspiring French story full of heart, beauty, and reflection.

Product details

• Title: Le lion

• Author: Joseph Kessel

• Publisher: Gallimard Jeunesse – Collection Folio Junior

• Format: Paperback, 288 pages

• Dimensions: approximately 7 × 4.5 inches (178 × 124 mm)

• Publication date: 2020 (reissue of the classic 1958 edition)

• ISBN: 978-2-07-509989-9

• Language: French

Educational value

• Strengthens advanced French reading and comprehension through rich, descriptive language.

• Encourages reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, freedom and belonging.

• Introduces literary analysis concepts such as symbolism, setting, and moral conflict.

• Ideal for readers transitioning from children’s literature to young adult and classic fiction.

Avoir un lion pour meilleur ami ? C'est le rêve que vit Patricia. Chaque jour, dans la réserve que dirige son père, la petit fille retrouve King, un grand mâle qu'elle a recueilli lionceau et rendu à la vie sauvage. Mais King est en danger : Oriounga, un jeune Masaï, est décidé à le tuer pour gagner sa place parmi les guerriers de sa tribu... Un bouleversant roman d'aventures et d'amitié dans les paysages grandioses du Kilimandjaro.