Funky and thoroughly contemporary in feel, though simultaneously acknowledging classic children’s illustration, Cannonball Coralie and the Lion is an exciting story, beautifully told. Coralie is funny and brave and silly and strange. But where she lives in the woods there’s no-one to see her juggling squirrels or standing on her hands, until one day a crowd of acrobats, trumpeters and jugglers come marching through the woods, led by a lion. Coralie and the lion become firm friends, and Coralie joins the troupe, despite the grumpy Man in the Big Hat’s disapproval. It’s his idea that Coralie become a Human Cannonball, but it’s the lion who gives her the confidence to do it. There’s a lovely message about the importance of friendship and of being yourself, and Grace Easton’s stylish, vibrant illustrations are full of life and character.
Coralie longs to join the circus but the Man in the Big Hat says her tricks just aren't good enough. With the help of her new friend, Lion, Coralie realises she's perfect just the way she is. A heart-warming story about the friendship between a girl and a lion, this fun, quirky picture book celebrates daring to be different the importance of standing up for yourself.
Grace Easton was born and raised in London. Having studied at Central Saint Martins, Brighton University and Minneapolis College of Art and Design she is now a freelance illustrator. Her work has been recognised internationally by the Society of Illustrators New York, Society of Illustration West and the Young Creative Network.
This is her debut picture book. Follow her on Instagram here.
