Families who loved We Are Lions! by Jens Mattsson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when a child is facing a serious medical diagnosis or when a family is navigating the physical and emotional changes that come with long term illness. It is a powerful resource for validating that while a child's body may be sick, their spirit, imagination, and identity remain as fierce and wild as a lion. The story follows two biracial brothers who transform their everyday world into an African savanna through play. Even when the younger brother is hospitalized and loses his hair, their bond remains the heart of the story. It is a deeply moving yet hopeful choice for children ages 4 to 9, emphasizing that play is a vital tool for resilience and that being 'brave' doesn't mean you have to stop being a kid. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes hospital settings while keeping the focus on the siblings' love.