The Lion Who Flinched is an engrossing and thought-provoking tale of living productively, considerately, and creatively with others. Selter paints a gentle yet dynamic picture of young Barrabou, the heir apparent in the lion pride, who, through a series of adventures, becomes ready to lead his own pride. In the process, he discovers essential principles for leading and getting along with others with harmony and cooperation. Barrabou’s lessons, which he enunciates clearly, are for all of us. Young people on the threshold of adulthood will find Barrabou’s metaphoric story especially inspiring and his lessons a model for a fulfilling, impactful, and contributing life.   

Noelle Sterne, PhD, Author

Jed Selter’s story of Barrabou in The Lion Who Flinched tells of a young lion coming of age, his challenges, and successes.  Throughout the story, I reflected on lessons taught my sons by our family about love, respect, and courage to stand up for your beliefs, just like Barrabou was taught.  In Barrabou’s journey, empathy and honesty were at the core of his relationships, life lessons that will serve him well as he begins his new pride. 

Sheila Walters, B.A. Education/M.A. Counseling, Retired High School Counsel/Dept. Head

Jed Selter’s The Lion Who Flinched makes an initial impression of being geared towards children. Even a brief perusal of the work, however, reveals much broader aims. Selter’s experiences founding and managing the former J.S. Associates, Inc. and nearly two decades with Caring Clowns International help illuminate important life lessons throughout this book. He devotes a substantial portion of the work to a Discussion Guide that aids adult readers looking to further explore the story’s principles. The Lion Who Flinched includes worksheets, as well, to prime those readers for discussing Selter’s ideas with youngsters.

It isn’t a long reading experience. Selter embraces brevity narrating the story of Barrabou and his journey with plain-spoken language that makes it an ideal reading experience. The Lion Who Flinched lacks a traditional linear plot. He dramatizes Barrabou’s development through a series of interconnected vignettes with a clear sequential trajectory. His artistry is considerable but understated. The narration adopts a third-person point of view and achieves the tone of a parable with a deceptive effortlessness. There’s no self-indulgence dragging down his intentions.

 Abby Stoffel’s illustrations are significant to the book’s success. She has a confident yet never gaudy style that complements the writing’s balanced voice and Selter’s judicious placement of her artwork never obscures the text. The Lion Who Flinched is a successful work without these illustrations, no doubt, but including them deepens the reading experience.

 Selter engages concerns and questions shared by many and more to come. Anyone who lives with this book for a time will agree that Jed Selter wrestles with who we are, where we are, and where we can go. His marrow-deep affection and regard for others, his dazzling professional triumphs, and a vividly realized vision for life lend his lessons weight and legitimacy that’s difficult to ignore.  

 Jason Hillenburg, Professional Book Reviewer

The Lion Who Flinched is a great resource for emerging leaders. When I read this, I found that this book resonated with my leadership style. I use this as a workbook for my college classes as an intuitive and insightful way to help my students understand collaboration and organization leadership. This is a wonderful book for any generation. 

Eric Stewart, Program Chair | Healthcare Informatics
Health Sciences, Education & Wellness Institute, Bellevue College

This book has managed to bring me back to my childhood soul as an ever-learning human being, husband, father, and friend.  Jed has given me life lessons to ponder, practice, and file for whenever I need them to remind me of what is truly important as I "grow up."  If I had read this book in my younger years, it would have helped me understand life around me better and guide me through the difficult times I experienced…that we all do and will. I highly recommend this simple "life story” and its messages for anyone still looking for an "Ah-Ha" moment of clarity and understanding." It is an excellent primer for young people to consider and beneficial for adults' personal and business relationships.

Tim Meuret, Project Manager (Ret.)  The Boeing Company