When Gelli Belle woke up one morning, she went to her toy chest to find a toy. In it was Larry the Lazy Lion, who was sleeping soundly. Gelli woke him up, telling him there were places they had to go. He begged her to take another animal, saying he was lazy. Finally, she dragged him out of the house and into the car by his tail, and her mother took them to the park. Larry and Gelli had lots of fun playing on the slides, swinging, and running through the sprinklers. They even got a treat on the way home. Larry thanked Gelli for taking him outside, and he learned that being lazy is a big waste of time. Author Vernae Bezear teaches an important lesson to children in Gelli Belle and The Lazy Lion.

On the last page, Ms. Bezear notes the book was written “to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone, try new things and enjoy life!” The goal was met through this delightful, appealing story. When children feel reluctant or intimidated by the prospect of a new experience, parents can read this book to them. The story can be a discussion starter about how doing new things can be a fun and exciting adventure. The charming illustrations by Jozcel Fernandez and Christina Rudenko also contribute to this main theme. Larry’s expressions change throughout the tale, as he moves from resistance to playfulness. The children’s book, Gelli Belle and The Lazy Lion, written by Vernae Bezear, is a book children will enjoy over and over again.

Gelli Belle and the Lazy Lion, written by Vernae Bezear and illustrated by Jozcel Fernandez and Christina Rudenko, is a children's picture book that revolves around a little girl and a sentient stuffed toy with little interest in moving from the comfort of his toy box bed. Gelli wakes up to a beautiful new day with all of the hope and wonder that most young children have. She is ready to play and select a companion to join in on the fun. Asleep in a chest is a lion who is determined not to play with Gelli, no matter how enticing her promises of what the day might bring for them both. The story is written in a lyrical, rhythmic narrative with illustrations that blend real-world photography and digital sketching in a colorful, mixed medium design.

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened Gelli Belle and the Lazy Lion, immediately struck by the voice that Vernae Bezear gives Gelli. She is upbeat and so, so alive that it is impossible not to be drawn in from the first line. She has agency over her day and is clearly in a home that nurtures exploration and excitement. The writing has a sing-song quality that is simple enough for my youngest reader to read on her own, although I admit I enjoyed it as much as she did. The artistry is creative and successful in the way that Jozcel Fernandez and Christina Rudenko merge the true-to-life environmental images while placing an illustrated Gelli in the scenes. The message is fun and reassuring without compromise on its entertainment value, and having the lead character of ambiguous ethnicity made this little book an excellent fit in our bedtime routine.