Since this collection of poems is aimed at children, I rated it as such. I have to admit that I wasn't particularly intrigued by these poems, but they were good. I can imagine kids liking them for themselves, but what made me actually recommend this book to every parent with a toddler/kindergartner was that these poems are all riddles as well - they're so-called Riddle-ku-s. This makes reading this little collection more than a simple literary experience, it's a fun game this way, and it makes its little 'readers' actually think about what the poems are about.
And that's not even the best idea in this book. The last page ask kids to create their own riddles, their own haikus. Sorry, Riddle-ku-s. I find this awesome! There are ideas and methods given as help, too. I have to say, I'd so much like to see what kids write after discovering this book!
The illustrations are a huge plus in this book, as well. They're sweet and gorgeous!

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one. Books of poetry for kids don't always work. But after flipping through the first few poems and pictures, I was sold.

This book is comprised of what the author calls "riddle-ku". Basically, they're haiku that describe something, only it's not explicitly spelled out. The reader then has to figure out what each haiku is referring to. I think it would be great fun for a kid to sit down and try to figure these out. Some are easier than others (but if you do get stuck, there's an answer key at the back).

The illustrations are a perfect complement to the poems. Some of them would be beautiful as framed art pieces. I'm going to have to see if I can find more of the illustrator's work.

This is a beautiful book that introduces haiku to readers who might not be familiar with it. It's also a fun set of riddles. Evocative illustrations tie everything together. I highly recommend this one!

Beautiful Haiku about spring, summer, winter, and fall. Lovely illustrations go along with each Haiku.

I absolutely love this book. It has really cute pictures to go with each Haiku (I think it would also make a really good calendar honestly) and explores the seasons really well.

What sets this children's book from the haiku-related book I've read before is that the poems are in riddle form. Hence, readers' mind, notably the young kids, will be stimulated while reading this wonderful book. The illustrations that were drawn by Mercè López are all lovely, colorful, and eye-catching. Lion of the Sky is a short and marvelous book that will entertain not the young readers but also those who are young at heart.

A delightful book weaving daily life with seasonal changes of nature.in a kid-friendly format. #Poetry #Puzzle and #nature make a heady combination for the kids.The author also introduces a new form of poetry for kids "Riddle-ku!" encouraging young to think and connect with nature and natural phenomenon daily.

Riddle-ku! Genius, I love love love the idea behind this. Pretty riddles (new concept!), wrapped in cute/ fun illustrations, this book should be in the hands of every kid that comes into a library or school! I can’t wait to order this one, my kids are going to love this!

Lion of the Sky, by Laura Purdie Salas, is a collection of poetry that will delight children and adults alike. With colorful, whimsical illustrations accompanying each haiku, this is book that fills the senses and celebrates nature, creativity, wonder and expression.

Themed around the changing seasons, each haiku has an added bonus: it’s also written as a riddle (Author Salas calls them riddle-kus). Children and their caregivers will have fun reading them aloud and figuring out who or what the subject of each ridde-ku is. They’ll have to use all their senses, just like Salas did to write the poems - in order to solve their riddles. Of course, the illustrations give wonderful clues! At the conclusion of the poems, a personal note from the author herself tells readers that these poems are also mask poems: poems that are narrated by something or someone non-human. In addition to an entertaining collection to read at home, this is a book that would make a wonderful addition to elementary classrooms. Salas encourages kids and gives them tips to start writing their own poetry, a creative endeavor that sorely deserves more time and attention in education today. The experience of reading and writing poetry is one that I (and no doubt, Salas) firmly believe should be available to every child, and Lion of the Sky is a great example of a book that could ignite a young student’s love for poetry and reading.

This is a book that shouldn’t be missed for those who love poetry, riddles, nature - and gorgeous, childlike illustrations. Teachers, parents and caregivers will enjoy it as much as the children whom they share it with. In the process, they’ll use their senses to learn about the seasons, hear the musicality of the form of haiku - and solve fun riddles. Heartily recommended for both school and home libraries, Lion of the Sky is a treat to enjoy from beginning to end. And when they’ve finished reading the book, hopefully young readers will be inspired to write a riddle-ku of their own!

Thank you to NetGalley and Millbrook Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever I hear the word haiku, Rick Riordan's Apollo and his obsession with this genre of poetry comes to my mind. Though I still think haiku is not my cup of tea, this particular book is kinda cute and endearing. The writer has undoubtedly put a lot of effort in all the visuals/pictures. If you like haiku and you like art this is your book.

Non solo haiku*, ma indovinelli in forma di haiku: stagioni scoperte attraverso oggetti comuni, magnificate con versi brillanti e magnifiche illustrazioni.

Un gioiellino, da regalare e studiare, per poi magari cimentarsi in un'arte antica resa nuova.

Lion of the Sky:Haiku for All Seasons is a fun filled, beautifully illustrated book of Haiku riddles. It’s the perfect book that will charm the 5-9 age group. Teachers can also use this book as a model for their Haiku lessons and the changing seasons. Students will definitely be motivated, not only to create a Haiku, but to solve riddles.
Very Highly Recommended!

I have to say this was a lot better than I expected. The poems do all strictly follow the haiku format, and as they're supposed to convey something about the seasons or passing of time/the year, this anthology of brand new haikus certainly fits the bill. It's a pleasant read with or without knowledge of the format's restrictions, though, as you see the world through the point of view of so many unexpected things – a dandelion clock, an early bird's worm, a sand castle – even a snow angel. What's also worthy of high praise is the artwork – the creators are on the same page for sure, and the firework really is allowed to look like the "lion of the sky" with the addition of a simple eye shape. (The art is also helpful at times, as I really didn't know what the "yellow train" was until I noticed the necessary detail of the painting!) The text has a lot of romance about it, with the use of kenning and other techniques, so this really is no fly-by-night book; it could easily be a keeper with its riches. Yes the word count is (by definition) low, but this really appealed to me. It would be churlish not to go the full five stars.