Tiger and Me

If you want to spark lively talk on animal rights, get your hands on this picture book! Told in gentle, rhyming verse ('I went to the jungle./I met a small tiger./I said to the tiger/"Well, how do you do?"') the reader is jolted when the tiger replies, 'Terrible'. The tiger tells the little girl in graphic detail how his brothers are captured and caged in a zoo. She thinks this situation deplorable, and assures the tiger she will sort it. Her vigorous campaign takes off as she targets friends, newspapers, television, the government and even the Prime Minister in her determination to right wrongs. Her message comes over loud and strong, with supporting illustrations appealing directly to the reader. By the last page, we feel exhilarated by the success of her efforts as the tigers are returned to their environment. A book to encourage discussion about rights, and one where the talents of author and illustrator are combined with skill.