7 terrific tiger tales by Daishu Ma

Illustrator and graphic artist Daishu Ma recommends seven brilliant books featuring these beloved creatures

An illustration of two adult tigers with three cubs

Tigers make fantastic characters. They are magnificently wild, and they often roam in some of most spellbinding places, from the vast mossy woods of Siberia to the vibrant tropical jungles of South Asia. 

Yet tigers share some of the traits of human’s closest companion: the domestic cat, they stretch and purr, and sometimes even enjoy a belly rub. It’s no wonder they’ve captured our imagination and inspired so many beloved stories. 

The tiger in my book Tiger, It’s Snowing is modelled on the Amoy Tiger, a critically endangered species that used to roam freely in southern China. Amoy tigers are smaller than most other tigers, with especially rounded heads and chunky, short legs. Learning about them deepened my love for these magnificent animals and the many stories they’ve inspired. 

Here are some of tiger themed books that I love…

Tiger on a Tree by Anushka Ravishankar and Pulak Biswas

With the lively rhythm of a folk tale, the bold art and words jump out of pages of this stunning book. 

The Tiger’s Tale by Catherine Barr and Tara Anand

Based on a true conservation story, this beautifully illustrated book follows real tigers in India’s Panna Reserve, sharing their struggles and hopes for survival. 

There’s a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart

Could there really be a tiger in a garden? This is a beautifully illustrated story all about the magic of curiosity and the power of imagination. 

There’s a Tiger on the Train by Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb

A fun book full of wild surprises, this is a perfect book for reading aloud. 

The Worry Tiger by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy

A comforting tale that helps children understand and manage worries, with the help of a gentle tiger who teaches calm and courage. 

Interview with A Tiger by Andy Seed

Hear it from the animals themselves in this funny Q&A style book packed with fascinating facts. 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

A timeless classic to go back to again and again. 

Tiger, It’s Snowing by Daishu Ma is available now. 

Read our reviews of some of the books in Daishu’s list…

  • Interview With a Tiger

    by Andy Seed, illustrated by Nick East 

    2020 5 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Funny
    • Non-fiction

    Packed with quirky, surprising and sometimes disturbing facts, presented in an accessible and entertaining question and answer format, this book is a must for any animal lover or budding conservationist.

  • The Tiger Who Came to Tea

    by Judith Kerr 

    1968 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.

  • There’s a Tiger in the Garden

    by Lizzy Stewart 

    2016 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    A sweet and surreal story with lush painterly illustrations and a high quality production. Nora’s tiger is sure to delight little ones who dream of tigers coming to tea, and then staying to play in the garden!

Explore more brilliant books about animals…

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