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Author: Camilla Chester
Illustrator: Emma Rendel
Translators: Jessica Alm & Mia Lindquist
Original title: Call Me Lion
Release date: 2025-06-10
Ten-year-old Leo dreams of performing in the West End. His love of dancing is getting him through the Luton heatwave, but his selective mutism is putting his spot in the end-of-summer dance show on the line. When chatty Richa moves in next door, Leo finds it easy to bond with her. She talks enough for the both of them ... at least to begin with. But when he learns her secret it's clear that Richa needs Leo's support as much as he needs hers. With Richa's help, will Leo be able to follow his dreams? Or will Leo's inability to talk cost him their friendship?
A heart-warming story of courage and determination in the face of adversity, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Lisa Thompson, Stewart Foster and Elle McNicoll.
Themes:
Selective mutism, friendship, England, hope, dancing, summer, summer break, courage, to overcome difficulties
About the author
Fun Facts about Camilla Chester:
1. She walks loads of dogs as a real job.
2. She likes dancing (even though she’s not that great at it).
3. She’s done well in some writing competitions.
4. She loved writing this book and got lots of help from kids with selective mutism.
5. She’s really chatty and talks almost as much as Richa.
6. She lives close to Luton.
7. She grew up in Norwich with her mum, two older brothers and an older sister.
8. She laughs a lot and is a big pancake fan!
To find out more about Camilla you can visit her website: www.camillachester.com
About the illustrator
Emma Rendel is an illustrator and graphic novel creator. She had selective mutism herself as a child. In January 2025 she released her own children's book in Sweden called Pest eller kolera (Plague or cholera) for ages 3-6.
CALL ME LION was shortlisted for many awards including the UKLA Book Awards 2024, the 2023 Oxfordshire Book Awards and the 2023 Y5 Portsmouth Awards
It won the 2023 Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her interview on winning the award can be found here.
It was part of the Summer Reading Challenge list for 2024 and was on the Read For Empathy 2023 list
Reviews:
"Beautiful, sensitive, and full of warmth." Zillah Bethell
"A powerful, empathetic read." Jo Cotterill
And a host of 5* Amazon reviews from readers!