Roar! The 9 best tigers in children's books
Published on: 22 April 2020
Author and illustrator Rikin Parekh has just released his beautiful new book Fly, Tiger, Fly - all about a big cat who dreams of soaring through the air!
To celebrate its arrival, we asked Rikin to choose some of his other favourite tigers in children's books - and he came up with a fantastic list.
Read on to see which ones he picked, and let us know your favourite fictional tigers in the comments.
1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
One of THE first picture books that I ever read as a child. It was one of the books that inspired me to become an illustrator!
2. Tiger in a Tutu by Fabi Santiago
This is such a fabulous story of being who you really want to bem and I just LOVE Fabi's illustrations. They are so juicy!
3. The Dancing Tiger by Malachy Doyle
Malachy Doyle's writing is absolutely beautiful. The gentle storytelling that juxtaposes a larger-than-life dancing tiger just blows me away! The paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are magical too.
4. There's a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart
Lizzie Stewart has written (and drawn!) such a wonderful story - I can't really say any more than that! It brings out the importance of imagination and seeking for things, and the magic that all creates. Plus Jeff is really cool, too!
5. Goodnight Tiger by Timothy Knapman and Laura Hughes
This is just a fun-filled story that reminds me of when I used to go to sleep - I'd pretend I was going on adventures AND talk to my teddy bear, George. Emily does something similar, but way more fun!
6. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Illustration: Liz Catchpole
A classic! This one is very close to my heart, as I wish I could talk to the animals!
7. Tiger in the Snow by Nick Butterworth
Nick Butterworth's story is about a kitten (not really a tiger!) who creates a small adventure in the snow - with so much adventure that only a small kitten could cause! This book is a firm favourite of mine. I love the way the narrative moves and grooves as if it were a... sledge in the snow!
8. Mr Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
I was bedazzled by Peter Brown's illustrations - they are just so fab! His colour palette is amazing and I really dig the graphical style. I love the story about how one should be wild now and then - the narrative is just something to make you smile.
9. Tigers by Patricia Janes
This book brings back memories as I remember borrowing it from the library - I was amazed by all the facts and photos of tigers. I used it for my GCSE... and ended up keeping it for some time!
Which tiger in children's books is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us @BookTrust!
