ALA Booklist (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

It's 1925, and young Sadie Menken lives in Toronto with her pie-maker father and boarder Miss Clemons, a former librarian. When Miss Clemons shares a newspaper article about neighborhood dogs disappearing, Sadie recalls an earlier story about a missing circus lion and, worried he's in trouble, sets out to find him. Surprisingly, she actually finds the lion, who's hiding and hungry in a nearby park. Keeping him fed d secret oves challenging, but she gains an unlikely ally and friend in Theodore Junior, a wealthy, somewhat isolated boy she knows from her pie deliveries. Soon, the two begin sneaking the lion food and develop a unique bond with him. Eventually, however, Sadie realizes he's still a wild animal, one she can't keep hidden forever. Featuring a spirited, well-drawn protagonist and multifaceted side characters, as well as incorporating a bit of the fantastical within the realistic setting, this also interweaves familiar themes, from dealing with bullies to finding friendship and trust. With short, manageable chapters and descriptive historical details, this accessible, engaging read has ample appeal for fans of animal stories.

Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

In 1925 Toronto, a gentle circus lion is thrown from a train and holes up in High Park. Clever, compassionate baker's daughter Sadie and her friend Theo Junior discover and care for the lion until they can find him a permanent home. Fagan's story is full of quiet humor, nostalgia, and a touch of wistfulness that lends realism to the fantastical premise.

Kirkus Reviews

An adventurous girl finds an escaped circus lion in 1925 Toronto.Sadie Menken lives with her father, a pie maker, and their boarder, Miss Clemons, a savvy retired librarian and inveterate clipper of newspaper articles. Sadie loves nearby High Park, with its natural areas, but doesn't get to play there often because she delivers her father's pies after school. Her last daily stop is to a house inhabited by a wealthy family. Their young son, usually left at home while his parents travel, finally makes Sadie's acquaintance. Not-so-courageous Theo Junior becomes Sadie's confidant (and supplier of steaks) when she finds the lion in the park and begins to feed him late each night. Contemporary kids may wonder about Sadie's and Theo Junior's relative freedom, but the narrator explains: "Ninety years ago, when these events occurred, parents didn't worry so much about children being outside on their own." The accessible, humorous storytelling voice, its sketch of life in an earlier time, and the premise of a wild beast who calms down with good food and caring friends all combine to make this short chapter book an excellent read. The book assumes a white default.Equally suitable as a read-aloud or as a choice for independent reading, this short chapter book will please animal enthusiasts and readers of tales about brave girls alike. (Historical fiction. 6-9)

School Library Journal (Tue May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 3-5 On May 15, 1925, the last two cars of a circus train break free, then derail and tip over, throwing a young lion out of his cage near a large park in Toronto, where he then finds refuge. Sadie, a piemaker's daughter, decides to hunt for the missing lion that she is certain is hiding in the park. She finds him and feeds him scraps of meat she obtains from the local butcher in exchange for her father's delicious pies. Fagan's writing in this short novel is succinct yet descriptive enough to hold readers' attention. The characters are a nod to beloved detective novel tropes: brave and determined Sadie; Theodore Kendrick, Jr., a kind and good-humored young boy from the town's wealthiest family who has everything but a friend; and Fergus Gumpy, a bully and nephew of a city policeman. VERDICT This is a quick read for younger middle grade readers looking for slightly offbeat mysteries. A solid purchase for larger collections. Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH