Melbourne Author  ·  Children's Picture Books

Stories
that stay
with you.

Leo the Lion & The Law of the Land

Leo the Lion and The Law of the Land book cover

Leo the Lion &
The Law of the Land

In the golden grasslands of his home, Leo the Lion discovers that being the biggest and strongest doesn't make you a leader — understanding, fairness, and respect for the community do.

With vivid, full-colour watercolour-style illustrations on every page, this debut picture book from Melbourne author Paul Joseph Zaidman brings big ideas about rules, rights, and belonging to life in a way that young readers remember long after the last page is turned.

Fairness & Rules Community Leadership Responsibility Ages 4–8
  • Pages 36 pages, full colour
  • Format Hardcover
  • Publisher Free To Be Publishing
  • RRP $29.99 AUD
Leo the Lion — The Book
Hardcover picture book. The story that started it all.
$29.99 AUD
Buy Now — $29.99
"A debut that proves the best children's books don't talk down to their readers — they trust them."
A note from the author's early readers

Paul Joseph
Zaidman

Paul Joseph Zaidman is a Melbourne-based author whose debut children's picture book, Leo the Lion & The Law of the Land, grew out of a lifelong belief that the most important lessons we ever learn are the ones that feel like stories.

Writing under his Free To Be Publishing imprint, Paul spent months crafting a narrative that speaks directly to children while giving parents and teachers the kind of story they can return to again and again — one that opens conversations about fairness, community, and what it means to do the right thing.

"I wanted Leo to feel like a friend kids would remember. Not a lesson with a lion in it — a lion with a lesson in him."

Paul is available for school author visits across Melbourne and regional Victoria, in-person and online. He brings warmth, humour, and a genuine love of young readers to every session.

Book Paul for Your School

Bringing Leo
to your school

Paul offers author visits for Foundation to Year 3 students — an engaging mix of read-aloud, Q&A, and creative activity that teachers and children love. Flexible, friendly, and curriculum-aligned.

In-Person Visit

Paul comes to your school for a 30–60 minute session. Whole-class or year-level groups, includes read-aloud, Q&A, and a short creative activity. Signed copies available for purchase on the day.

Online Session

A live Zoom author visit — perfect for regional and rural Victorian schools. Same engaging format as the in-person session, delivered directly to your classroom screen.

School Library Pack

Not ready for a visit yet? Order a library copy for your school at a discounted rate. Bulk orders of 10+ copies receive a special school pricing of $25 per copy — perfect for classroom sets.

Ready to book, or just curious?

Email Paul directly at bogopogos@gmail.com — he replies personally to every school enquiry, usually within 48 hours.

Get in Touch

Buy Leo the Lion
& The Law of the Land

Every copy is personally signed by Paul and posted within 3–5 business days. Secure checkout via Stripe — all major credit and debit cards accepted.

Buy Now — $29.99 AUD
🔒 Secure payment  ·  Hardcover  ·  Signed by the author  ·  Ships Australia-wide
School or bulk order? Email Paul directly →
🌿 Leo the Lion  ·  Official Merchandise

Wear the
story.

From the pages of Leo the Lion & The Law of the Land — bring the characters home with premium kids merchandise, designed with love in Melbourne.

Shop the Collection
NEW
Leo

The Collection

Ships worldwide  ·  Safe, BPA-free materials  ·  Kids sizes available

Bestseller
Leo the Lion — The Law of the Land book cover
Leo the Lion — The Book
Hardcover picture book. The story that started it all.
Coming Soon
Leo
Leo T-Shirt
Premium kids tee featuring Leo & friends. Sizes 2–14.
Coming Soon
Leo
Leo Kids Drink Bottle
BPA-free, leak-proof. Leo & the gang on every side.
Coming Soon
Leo
Leo Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection. Perfect for Aussie summers.
Coming Soon
Leo
Leo Lunchbox
Insulated, food-safe lunchbox. School-bag ready.

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Get your
copy

Available online and through selected Melbourne bookshops. Schools and libraries — ask about bulk pricing.

Say
hello

Whether you're a teacher, librarian, bookshop owner, or a parent who wants a signed copy — Paul would love to hear from you.

Follow Leo's Journey
Instagram QR code for @leo_lawoftheland Scan to follow