Author: Wilma Möller
Illustrator: Fanny Penttinen
Swedish original: Lejon på vift
Publisher: Schildts & Söderströms, 2025
Genre: children’s illustrated novel
Number of pages: 147 pp.
Reading material: Swedish original, Finnish translation, English sample, English synopsis
Two missing lion cubs and a trio of strong-headed siblings are the perfect ingredients for a wonderful summer adventure.
Eight-year-old Nilo loves all animals but is particularly fond of lions and is counting down the days to the school trip to the animal park where he will get to see again the lion cubs he remembers from the previous year. At the park, however, an unpleasant surprise awaits: both lion cubs are gone.
Ines, Nilo’s thirteen-year-old sister, suspects the cubs have been taken down by the animal park owners for financial reasons, and starts a campaign to claim justice for the cubs. Soon, however, weird things start happening around town: the neighbour’s usually ferocious dog is suddenly afraid and large feline pawprints are seen around town. Nilo and his brother Aron make friends with the newcomer Sigge, the retired vet’s granddaughter who has just started at their school, but soon it’s clear that Sigge and her grandma are hiding a big secret…or rather, two.
Lions on the Loose is a humorous novel about protecting nature, seeking justice for animals, and finding unexpected friends, that will keep even the most reluctant of readers entertained. The playful illustrations by Fanny Penttinen bring the book to life in a summer adventure readers won’t want to put down.
Wilma Möller is a children’s literature author known for her middle grade book series about a group of friends and their passion for horse-riding. Fanny Penttinen is an illustrator and cartoonist distinguishable for her warm, expressive, and humorous illustrations. Lions on the Loose is their first collaboration.
About the authors
Wilma Möller
Fanny Penttinen