120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 Auckland Bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

The Lions' Run

a heart-warming WWII tale of courage and hope - an instant New York Times bestseller
By Sara Pennypacker
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
Small acts of bravery can have extraordinary consequences... The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an unforgettable WWII novel about an orphan who discovers unexpected courage when he becomes involved with the Resistance in France during Occupation. INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Tremendous...... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1699
Elsewhere:
$1999
Pre-order
Releases 5th January 2027 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Lions' Run" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

Found a better price? Request a price match

Small acts of bravery can have extraordinary consequences. . .
The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an unforgettable WWII novel about an orphan who discovers unexpected courage when he becomes involved with the Resistance in France during Occupation.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Small acts of bravery can have extraordinary consequences...

The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an unforgettable WWII novel about an orphan who discovers unexpected courage when he becomes involved with the Resistance in France during Occupation.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Tremendous... a vivid, enthralling novel" — The Observer

"A beautiful story of bravery and resistance. The Lions' Run reminds us that, more than size or strength, heroism begins with heart." — RUTA SEPTYS, international bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray

Petit éclair. That's what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas. He's tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he's tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his village. He longs to show how brave he can be.

The chance arrives when he saves a litter of kittens from cruel boys and cares for them in an abandoned stable. There he meets Alice, the daughter of a horse trainer, who is hiding her beloved young horse from German soldiers.

Soon Lucas begins to realise they are not the only ones in the village with secrets. The housekeeper at the German maternity home and a priest at the orphanage pass coded messages; a young mother at the home makes dangerous plans to keep her baby from forced adoption; and a neighbour in town may be harbouring a Jewish family.

Emboldened by the unlikely heroes all around him, Lucas is forced to decide how much he is willing to risk to make the most courageous rescue of all.

Perfect for fans of Ross Montgomery, Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo, this incredible story told in short chapters, illuminates a little-known aspect of World War II history.

Praise for The Lions' Run:
"Lucas DuBois is proof that a mere kitten can be the bravest of lions by always standing up for what's right." — ALAN GRATZ, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

"Heart-pounding and heartwarming, this story of a boy standing against injustice will have you racing through the pages to its startling, triumphant end." — KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY, Newbery Honoree for The War That Saved My Life

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781444985214

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 January 2027

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Starboard

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 288

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Kids & YA Pre-orders Pre-order Books Pre-Order Children's Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Sara Pennypacker Young Adult

About the Author

Sara Pennypacker was a painter before becoming a writer, and has two absolutely fabulous children who are now grown. She has written more than twenty children's books including Pax (illustrated by Jon Klassen), Here In The Real World, the Clementine and Waylan series (both illustrated by Marla Frazee); Stuart's Cape and Stuart Goes to School (both illustrated by Martin Matje), Meet the Dullards, and others. Sara splits her time between Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Florida, USA.

Also by Sara Pennypacker

View all
  • Pax
    The moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox and their epic journey to be reunited. Beautifully illustrated by multi-award winner Jon Klassen. Now available in paperback! Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and he was rescued by 'his boy', Peter. Now the country is at war, and when his father enlists,...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Leeva at Last
    A Sunday Times Best Book for Children 2023 A hilarious and heart-warming new adventure from Sara Pennypacker, the best-selling author of Pax, with illustrations by Caldecott Medal-winner Matthew Cordell Leeva at Last follows Leeva Thornblossom, a curious young girl who loves to learn. Her local newspaper teaches her a new word every day, and soap operas introduce her to the...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Lions' Run
    The New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an incredible WWIIanimal rescue adventure, about an orphan who discovers unexpected couragewhen he becomes involved with the Resistance. Petit éclair. That's what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas DuBois. Lucas is tiredof his cowardly reputation, just as he's tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of hisFrench village....
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pax, Journey Home
    From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax; gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling with stunning illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Jon Klassen. It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives. Pax must protect his litter of kits in a dangerous...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Pax
    Pax
    New York Times Bestseller • National Book Award Longlist Finally in paperback! This handsome edition features French flaps. From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come. Pax and Peter have been inseparable...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    $3800
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Clementine Friend of the Week
    This delightful New York Times bestselling chapter book series, from the award-winning author of Pax, is a modern classic that has been keeping readers engaged and laughing as they follow the hijinks of Clementine, a clever and quirky third grader who's the most spectacular friend around. Perfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia and Ivy + Bean! Clementine has been picked...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    $3200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Here in the Real World
    From the author of the highly acclaimed, bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9–12. Ware can’t wait to spend summer ‘off in his own world’ and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he...
    By Sara Pennypacker
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    Gruffalo Granny
    The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...
    By Julia Donaldson
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wahine
    New Release
    Wahine
    From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....
    By Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Sweet As Looky Book
    New Release
    The Sweet As Looky Book
    Can you find all the chocolate fish? Is it possible for kiwi to fly? Can you spot the difference? See Aotearoa New Zealand through the eyes of award-winning artist Donovan Bixley in The Sweet As Looky Book. Use your finest skills to seek out pirates in the Bay of Islands and birds in Rakiura Stewart Island. Get in a car...
    By Donovan Bixley
    Hardback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Day of the Dinosaur Disaster
    Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...
    By Sam Smith
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Neverfear
    A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...
    By Katherine Rundell
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Mari the Unwonderful Witch
    A charming, cosy and thought-provoking tale about a wonderfully unconventional little witch, by bestselling author of BUTTER, Asako Yuzuki. Perfect for fans of WICKED, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, and THE HATMAKERS series by Tamzin Merchant - and anyone who likes an enchanting adventure with just a hint of mischief. Mari the Unwonderful Witch introduces us to Mari, an eleven-year-old witch who...
    By Asako Yuzuki
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
    A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...
    By Graeme Base
    Hardback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Comeback Kid
    Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...
    By Airana Ngarewa
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Millie from Milford
    New Release
    Millie from Milford
    Based on the true story of Ruth Shaw and her husband Lance looking after a baby seal that had been shot between the eyes. Millie from Milford lives in Milford Sound, the number one tourist destination in Aotearoa New Zealand. After Millie was checked by a vet, she was taken to Ruth and Lance's home to be looked after until...
    By Ruth Shaw
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    New Release
    The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...
    By Rachael King
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pocket Observology
    New Release
    Pocket Observology
    Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...
    By Giselle Clarkson
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Minecraft Annual 2027
    New Release
    Minecraft Annual 2027
    The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...
    By Mojang AB
    Hardback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Children's Books lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all