Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Tiniest Tiger...random thoughts


The Tiniest Tiger by Joanne L. McGonagle.

When I read the e-mail asking if I might be interested in receiving a copy of this book for review, I couldn't believe my eyes. From the brief description of the book, I would have sworn that this book was written specifically for Max. But of course, there are many little cat lovers out there, and I suspect a great many of them would thoroughly enjoy this book.

The book tells the story of a little stray kitten who wanders into the zoo one day. Upon seeing the tiger, she hopes that maybe, just maybe, she's found a home. But the tiger, while friendly, points out the reasons why she can't be a tiger and sends her along to the lions. The scenario repeats itself time after time as each of the wild cats explains to the kitten why she can't be of their species. We visit not only tigers and lions, but cheetahs, clouded leopards, pumas, jaguars, bobcats, and ocelots as well. Throughout the book, as the kitten visits each new cat, we get to view their zoo fact sign and learn more about each wild cat--things like its status, its size, its lifespan, etc.

So, what did the viewing audience think of this book? In his words...

Me: So, what rating does this book get? (The boys always rate picture books on a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest.)

Max: A million!

Me: What did you like most about this book?

Max: I liked the kitten. And all the cats.

Me: Did you learn anything from this book?

Max: The signs told me all kinds of things. But I was sad that all the cats are endangered.

Me: Do you think that other kids would like this book?

Max: Yeah.

Me: Anything else you want to say about the book?

Max: I love it. And I want you to read it to me again.


And as for my favorite thing, let me just quote from the book's introduction:

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of The Tiniest Tiger will benefit conservation projects for endangered wild cats in Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, through the Conservation Fund of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.


*****

If you have also reviewed this book, feel free to leave a link in the comments, and I will add it here. Thanks.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh, this looks wonderful!

and i love your review with that dialogue between you and max!

you know, i think my wife would love this. i know she's not a child, but she adores her cat (now ours) pooky, and often muses about her meeting big cats and about her being a lion or a leopard or some grand animal - which is the opposite of what she is!

Ana S. said...

I am so buying this book!

I can't tell you how much I love this post, Debi. Max is so adorable, and I love how you wrote it and included the dialogue and everything :D

Carl V. Anderson said...

Very fun! I know a friend whose child would adore this, I'm going to have to send them the link.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a Grrrreat book!

Dawn said...

That sounds like a book I would like to have for my class :) Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm glad Max enjoyed it as well!!

take care,
Dawn

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Sounds delightful and with a smile like that--who could resist?? As a cat lover, I'll have to keep this one in mind!

Melody said...

I'm glad you and Max had a fun time reading this book! I totally enjoyed reading your 'interview' with him. ;P

Unknown said...

what a great review

Stephanie said...

What a great book! I've got a few kids books to review, but sadly, none that have really made much of an impression on me or the girls. This one sounds fab though!

Kim L said...

Glad that you got a review book that you both enjoyed! It sounds like a great choice.

Dewey said...

Hey, I think I hve this book on the way! I'm glad it's so awesome. And we need more of Max's reviews, please!

Becky said...

I just reviewed a book you *might* be interested in called CAT.

gail@more than a song said...

Cute picture! And how fun that he liked it so much.

Somer said...

This sounds like a great book!