PB Review: Sometimes, a Tiger
Sometimes, a Tiger by Z.B. Asterplume (Feiwel & Friends, 32p., ages 4-8, 9781250823441)
Z.B. Asterplume's debut picture book beautifully conveys how imagination--and "sometimes, a tiger"--can make all the difference on a belly-grumbling, "not-so-shiny day."
Dario wakes up "hungry for possibilities." He looks into the mostly bare pantry where he finds "a can of beans, pretzels, pickles; the usual breakfast stuff." But he also finds "something else" entirely: a large, majestic tiger. The boy squeezes into a school bus seat with the wondrous creature, and muses on "how many other possibilities a not-so-shiny day might hold." By the afternoon, Dario and his tiger have helped all the kids in his classroom, as well as teacher Ms. Voll, "see things a little differently." In fact, wherever Dario and his tiger go, they show folks "what could be instead of just what was." Dario arrives home to find his pantry is still mostly bare, but in a final, joyful moment, his neighbors and classmates bring a picnic to his window, demonstrating that even on "not-so-shiny days there are plenty of possibilities."
Sometimes, a Tiger, with its perfect balance of text and art, is a story of food insecurity, but it's also a story of sharing, caring, making connections, and strengthening community. The accomplished digital illustrations deftly enhance both the whimsy and gravitas of the book, making great use of gloomy shadows to express Dario's hunger, while depicting his hope and imagination in more optimistic shades. Young readers should relate to Dario's kindness being repaid in kind. Because, surely, there are times when everyone can use a tiger. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author.
No comments:
Post a Comment