Tigers are one of the most popular characters in literature – especially in children’s books. Here are tigers for children’s books that your kids will love!
You all know that reading books with Tim is one of my favourite things to do. But you know what’s better than getting lost in books? Reading books with TIGER characters! Tigers, for kids and adults alike, are one of the most popular animal characters in books. What can I say, we are cool cats, after all!
In this blog post, I’ve rounded up my ten most beloved books featuring tigers for children, ranging from classics to newly-published ones. There’s also something for adults at the end of the list!
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Written and Illustrated by Judith Kerr
Recommended Ages: 3-6
Can you imagine having tea with a TIGER? A Tiger Who Came to Tea is precisely about that! The book, published in 1968, is about a little girl named Sophie, who is visited by a huge tiger one afternoon. Read about how this charming tiger (like me!) drinks and eats everything in Sophie’s house (very much like me!) before simply going on his way.
This beloved classic remains popular to this day, all thanks to a kind, well-meaning, tea-loving, tiger.
The Jungle Book, Written by Rudyard Kipling
Recommended Ages: 10+
Another classic, The Jungle Book, is intended for the older Tiger Cubs out there who are wanting to escape to the wilderness, one short story at a time. Unlike most of the tiger characters in this list, the Bengal tiger Shere Khan is cunning and ferocious. But inadvertently teaches the story’s main character, Mowgli, several life lessons, including facing one’s fears. This timeless tale is still alive after more than a hundred years since it was first published – partly because of the many film and TV adaptations over the years. Tiger Cubs, both younger and older, will love this story of friendship and bravery.
Augustus and His Smile, Written and Illustrated by Catherine Rayner
Recommended Ages: 4-8
Like most tigers for kids‘ books, Augustus is a playful feline who suddenly realised that his smile was missing. Augustus and His Smile is a meaningful book that teaches Tiger Cubs the true meaning of happiness, as Augustus searched for his own. The book always makes me appreciate how happy my life is with my human friend, Tim!
Little Tiger, Written by Julie Abery and Illustrated by Suzie Mason
Recommended Ages: 3-6 years old
Tigers are much like kids, don’t you think? We’re playful, sweet, and we love our mamas! Little Tiger is a book that shows a tiger mum’s love for her cubs… even when we get a bit too adventurous at times! With its short rhyming lines and superb illustrations, Tiger Cubs will love reading this lovely book!
Go Get ‘Em, Tiger, Written by Sabrina Moyle and Illustrated by Eunice Moyle
Recommended Ages: 3+
I go through bad days, like everyone else. But the book Go Get ‘Em Tiger by the Hello!Lucky sisters Sabrina and Eunice, never fails to pick me up whenever I feel a little down. This book shares a powerful message of encouragement and positivity to kids and grown-ups alike. The bright and colourful illustrations also go perfectly with the uplifting message of the book! So Go Get ‘Em, Tiger, for kids and adults alike!
Leo the Late Bloomer, Written by Robert Kraus and Illustrated by Jose Aruego
Recommended Ages: 4-8
Everybody blooms at their own pace – that is the message Leo the Late Bloomer wants to tell its readers. This Tigers for children book also teaches the youngsters how to talk, read, write, and eat without making a mess (sorry Tim!), but Leo is a late bloomer, and his father is concerned. But his loving mum knows that Leo will eventually bloom at just the right time. This well-loved classic still resonates today, no matter what age you are!
The Tiger-Skin Rug, Written and Illustrated by Gerald Rose
Recommended Ages: 4-8
All this tiger wanted was a comfortable life with the rajah (an Indian King or Prince), so he disguised himself as a rug. But what happens when the rajah is in danger? Will the tiger reveal himself or simply remain a rug? The Tiger-Skin Rug is a story that teaches love, loyalty to family, and that there will always be a place for a tiger in one’s home! Just ask Tim Hague!
A Tiger Called Tomás, Written by Charlotte Zolotow and Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Recommended Ages: 4-8
A Tiger Called Tomás is a new spin on a classic book about tigers for children: A Tiger Called Thomas. Wearing a tiger suit for Halloween, a small shy boy joins the night’s fun and decides that his new neighbors like him after all. This time around though, the story is given a bilingual twist, with Spanish words used across the text. The message still remains the same though – stay true to one’s stripes, I mean, self!
The Tiger Who Lost His Stripes, Written by Anthony Paul and Illustrated by Michael Foreman
Recommended Ages: 3-8
Talking of stripes… a tiger’s stripes are unique to every tiger – no tiger has the same pattern. But what happens when a tiger loses its stripes? That is exactly what happened to General MacTiger, the most magnificent animal in the jungle! Oh no! The Tiger Who Lost His Stripes is a fun story about a smart and persistent tiger for kids and grown-ups! After all, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.
Sleep Like a Tiger, Written by Mary Logue and Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Recommended Ages: 4-8
I love taking long slumbers, especially on cold rainy nights, and this book is perfect for bedtime storytelling! Sleep Like a Tiger tells the story of a little girl who claims she’s not sleepy and proceeds to recall how different animals sleep, including tigers. With its beautiful descriptions and rich illustrations, Sleep Like a Tiger is perfect for your next story-telling session before going to bed.
Something for the Grown-ups: Life of Pi, Written by Yann Martel
The widely successful novel and its movie adaptation, Life of Pi, features one of the most famous tigers in literature, Richard Parker. Life of Pi follows Pi and a tiger he names Richard Parker, as they try to survive the ocean, elements, and each other. This deeply philosophical and moving narrative shares the universal message: “No man is an island”.
Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed it. Tiger and Tim helps Tiger Cubs all over the world develop their love for reading and learning! Tiger and Tim episodes feature animated stories that Tiger Cubs and adults alike will find enjoyable, and best of all, they contain valuable lessons that kids will love.
I hope my list inspired you to pick up a TIGER-RIFFIC book today. See you again soon!
Lots of love, from Tiger xoxoxoxoxo
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