Book Review: “The Lion King: Hakuna Matata” Picture Book

Hi everyone!

We received “The Lion King: Hakuna Matata” to review. It is a picture book and it just was released on Amazon this month, so it can be ordered now. The book is by Brittany Rubiano and illustrated by Therese Larsson. “The Lion King: Hakuna Matata” is from Disney Press and runs 40 pages and is geared toward kids 3 – 5 years.

The illustrations in the book are based on the new live action film, though in a children’s book way – the characters aren’t copies of the movie but they are based on real animals and not the original animated film. The artwork is beautiful and includes other animals as well, not characters but just as part of the story.

“The Lion King: Hakuna Matata” is about Timon and Pumbaa teaching Simba “Hakuna Matata” – not to worry. And Simba learns how to lean into that, enjoying a day of open fields, a mudhole and general adventure. But Timon and Pumbaa forget about Hakuna Matata and worry about Simba, generally freaking out when they don’t know where he is (even wondering if he fell out of a tree or “fell in with the wrong crowd”). The book is actually quite amusing at times, and kids should love it. It’s easy to see where emphasis should be on words, offering a little more excitement for kids too.

Until the new movie comes out on July 19th, young children might be a little confused why the characters don’t look like the ones they are used to. Once the film is out, that will change. I recommend “The Lion King: Hakuna Matata”. The hardcover book is nicely presented with lovely illustrations and a fun story.

This review includes affiliate links.