In this light-hearted story about embracing our true selves and gender expressions, Brian the Lion loves to dance, to any kind of music. The problem is, lions are supposed to be fierce, and no one would think a dancing lion was fierce. He therefore keeps his dancing a secret, imagining that his friends would tease him if they knew about it.
One day, however, he hears of a dance contest. He poo-poos it at first, but secretly wonders if it could be his chance to show the other animals that dancing lions can still be brave and fierce. He practices hard, but in front of his friends he still only talks about fierceness. One day, when other animals are practicing their dancing nearby, he can’t help himself, and starts dancing—only to realize what he’s done and fleeing back to his den in embarrassment.
His friends come to find him, but instead of teasing him, they wonder why he hid his talent from them. They then share their own not-fierce hobbies: Jim the alligator loves to sew; Betty the Rhino loves crafts and painting, and Barry the Gorilla loves to sing opera. Brian is relieved and feels silly for doubting his friends. He realizes he’s missed the dance competition, though—so his friends help him stage a special performance, as fierce and beautiful as he is.
There are now a number of books about boys who want to dance but are hesitant in the face of gender stereotypes, notably the recent Llama Glamarama, Glad Glad Bear, When Langston Dances, Téo’s Tutu, and the older Oliver Button Is a Sissy. Some readers may prefer the stories with human characters; others may like the whimsy of animals. And Téo and Glad Glad Bear offer representation to boys whose style leans towards traditionally female clothing as well, which some (though not all) readers may seek. Brian the Dancing Lion is especially close in storyline to Llama Glamarama, but is a little gentler; Llama Glamarama has more frenetic humor. Neither is better or worse; different readers will prefer each at different times. It’s good to have options, and Brian holds his own with any of the other stories.
