There are few animals more majestic and awe-inspiring to children than the tiger, which is perhaps why they make for such compelling characters in children’s literature. From beloved classics to modern bestsellers, the world of children’s books offers a wealth of options when it comes to stories about these magnificent creatures. Many of the best children’s books about tigers offer valuable lessons about the importance of curiosity, imagination, and empathy, making them the perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Animals like tigers have remained a major source of inspiration for children’s literature for ages. There are many diverse ways that authors portray the animal world, spanning fables with talking animals to tales in which animals represent human qualities such as innocence, greed, courage, or laziness. Even books written from an animal’s perspective exist. The stories characterized by these animals spark a range of emotions in children, including delight, surprise, and horror.
Although tigers can be terrifying, there is a beauty and intrigue to them that often fascinates children. There are many different tigers in children’s stories, some of which are hungry, others are friendly, some are aggressive, and some are even fun and friendly. Our list of personal favorites has been curated for your consideration, based on how well they’ve sold, how highly they’re rated, and the awards received.
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Excellent as a gift for preschoolers
- A timeless masterpiece to be passed from generation to generation
- Available in German, Hebrew, Welsh and Japanese
Check Amazon- Kids learn about the consequences of actions
- Lead character is silly but easy to love
- Beautifully illustrated
Check AmazonA celebration of the power of imagination in kids
A great story to read aloud and bring characters to life
Check Amazon- This book contains 366 different poems about animals from all over the world.
- The poems are written in a variety of styles and by famous authors.
- The illustrations are bright, bold, and engaging.
- There is a poem for each day of the year.
Check Amazon- A heartwarming story that validates some people’s experiences.
- Great resource for kids as well as intentional parents.
Top Picks: The Best Children’s Books About Tigers
1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
Since its release in 1968, the Tiger Who Came to Tea has been popular with generations of kids. This timeless picture book tells a fun story, and it’s easy to see why it has won the hearts of millions of young readers. Over five million copies have been sold since its initial release. It has been translated into Braille, German, Hebrew, Welsh, Brazilian Portuguese, and Japanese.
In 2017, The Tiger Who Came to Tea was given the Specsavers Platinum Bestseller Award. At the Sainsburys Children’s Book Awards one year later, in 2018, the book was awarded the Children’s Classic prize. In 2008, the book was adapted for the stage, and in 2012, it received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Entertainment. On Christmas Eve 2019, a television adaptation of the book aired on Channel 4 in the UK.
The author and illustrator, Judith Kerr delights her audience with the story of a tiger that invites himself to tea with a young girl named Sophie. However, the tiger ends up eating and drinking everything in sight! The next day Sophie gets a tin of tiger food for her new friend, but the tiger does not return.
The illustrations in this book are charming and simple, with lots of color to engage its readers. However, it is a British story so some of the terminology and the rhythm may be unfamiliar to American readers. It also does not end with a traditional “happy ending” that ties up all loose strings (as American children’s books usually do).
Pros and Cons of The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book has been a popular children’s story for several decades. | There is some British terminology that may be unfamiliar to American readers. |
| It has won several awards and sold millions of copies. | This story does not have a solid conclusion with a typical American “happy ending” that ties up all loose strings. |
| This book has been adapted for stage and television productions. | |
| It is a fun and charming story. | |
| The illustrations in this book are charming and simple, with lots of color to engage its readers. |
- 32 pages.
- Excellent as a gift for preschoolers
- A timeless masterpiece to be passed from generation to generation
- Available in German, Hebrew, Welsh and Japanese
2. Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner
This charming story from Catherine Rayner will warm your heart. Augustus the tiger is on the prowl, but not for food; he’s on the lookout for his missing smile! As he ascends snow-capped mountain crests and swims to the bottom of oceans, Augustus finds all kinds of wonderful wildlife, but not his smile. However, with each new thing he sees and experiences, the reader gets to witness the smile slowly growing larger on Augustus’ face!
Augustus finally comes to the realization that his smile will always be with him when he’s happy. By opening his eyes to the world around him, he can see how beautiful the surroundings are. and how happiness is all around him.
Rayner’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. She actually spent a lot of time watching and sketching the tigers at Edinburgh Zoo with great attention to detail. The illustrations are bold and colorful and help to convey the beauty and all the wonderful things found in our world. In addition, the very last page of the book lists some amazing facts about tigers and how they are endangered.
Augustus and His Smile was a 2006 Booktrust Early Years Award winner and a nominee for the Kate Greenaway Award.
Pros and Cons of Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a charming story that is sure to bring a smile to your face. | |
| The main character goes on an exciting adventure ascending snow-capped mountains and swimming in the ocean. | |
| It is a great message about finding happiness in the world around you and within yourself. | |
| The stunning illustrations are bold, colorful, and engaging. | |
| There are amazing facts about tigers on the last page of the book. | |
| This book is an award winner. |
Great illustrations
Fun and meaningful story told with beautiful pictures
3. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
Mr. Tiger is a proper gentleman, but he’s tired of being so serious. So, he decides to walk on all fours and act like a wild tiger! He spends some time romping in the wilderness, but then realizes he is lonely. Fortunately, when he returns, things have changed and he can now be himself alongside his friends.
The award-winning picture book by Peter Brown is a delightful and visually stunning adventure that resonates with young readers, helping them understand the balance between being wild and behaving appropriately. Brown captures the essence of midcentury-modern style, juxtaposing the bold orange of Mr. Tiger against the static, sepia-toned cityscapes and a burst of colors and energy in the wild landscapes. The images capture the emotions Mr. Tiger is experiencing, and it’s fun to watch as both Mr. Tiger and his environment change with the story.
This New York Times and IndieBound Bestseller is available in 11 other languages such as French, Chinese (simplified and complex), German, Hebrew, Finnish, Spanish, and Polish. In 2014, it won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Picture Books, Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration, Bull-Bransom Award, and E.B. White Read Aloud Honor.
However, a few customers reported that they had troubles with the Kindle edition of this book, and that the images and text were small and distorted.
Pros and Cons of Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a fun and humorous story. | A few customers reported issues with the Kindle edition of this book. |
| It also resonates with children who are learning to understand when it’s appropriate to be proper and serious, and when it’s okay to be wild and free. | |
| This book has won many awards. | |
| The illustrations are engaging and tell the story in a visual way. |
Uses eye-catching pictures
Humorous tale with a deeper meaning
4. Never Tickle a Tiger by Pamela Butchart (Author), Marc Boutavant (Illustrator)
Never Tickle a Tiger is a story about Izzy, a restless schoolgirl who can’t sit still. When her class visits the zoo, Izzy’s teacher warns her not to tickle the tiger, but temptation gets the better of her. But the moment Izzy’s fingers touch the tiger’s fur, chaos erupts. The whole place goes into a frenzy, and Izzy realizes she’s made a grave mistake and needs to fix it. Izzy takes readers on an adventure as she tries to make amends. This story is filled with mischief, mayhem, and lots of laughter.
Never Tickle a Tiger is a cautionary story that teaches kids the unexpected effects that can occur when they fail to comprehend the rationale behind instructions. It also helps them to see and understand that even when they do make a mistake, they can make amends and do their best to fix it.
Illustrated by internationally renowned and best-selling artist Marc Boutavant, the captivating images burst with life and vibrancy. The bold and colorful images draw kids into the story. Then there are the sneaky little hedgehogs hidden throughout the book for kids to discover. In addition, this story is a great introduction to alliteration.
Pros and Cons of Never Tickle a Tiger by Pamela Butchart (Author), Marc Boutavant (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a fun story that teaches children that there are unexpected consequences to their actions. | |
| It also helps children understand the need to try to make amends and fix things when they’ve made a mistake. | |
| The illustrations are bold and full of color. | |
| There are little hedgehogs hidden throughout the book that children will enjoy seeking out. | |
| This story is a great introduction to alliteration for children. |
- Kids learn about the consequences of actions
- Lead character is silly but easy to love
- Beautifully illustrated
5. There is a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart
If you’re a fan of Emily Hughes, Peter Brown, and Julie Morstad, then you will like this creative picture book from Lizzy Stewart. It is based on the sweet story of Nora, a little girl who is visiting her grandma. When her grandmother claims to have seen a tiger in the backyard, however, Nora is skeptical, because her grandmother often tells over-the-top stories.
But when Nora goes into the garden, she begins to see unbelievable things. Nora and her trusty stuffed giraffe, Jeff, must dodge giant dragonflies, ferocious plants, and a very grumpy polar bear with a bad attitude. Even then, however, Nora still doesn’t believe there could be a tiger out there… until she hears something in the bushes…
Stewart won the 2017 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Illustrated Books category, and it’s easy to see why. The illustrations in this book are bold with lots of color and detail. These captivating images, along with easy-to-follow text, make a story that is perfect for young readers and is sure to excite your child’s imagination.
Pros and Cons of There is a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a great picture book for fans of Emily Hughes, Peter Brown, and Julie Morstad. | |
| The story celebrates imagination and wonder. | |
| It is exciting and all about the adventure of a young child visiting her grandma. | |
| The author/illustrator won the 2017 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Illustrated Books category. | |
| The illustrations in this book are bold with lots of color and detail. | |
| The text of the story is easy to follow. |
A celebration of the power of imagination in kids
A great story to read aloud and bring characters to life
6. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Set in Central India, this book is a series of short fables that anthropomorphize animals to teach moral lessons. Kipling’s fables, which also include tales about a brave mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and a young elephant trainer named Toomai, are still widely read today. Typical of a classic, this book (especially Mowgli’s exploits) has been recounted in movies, TV shows, and plays (including two Disney films).
Although it was published in 1894, Rudyard Kipling’s book remains appealing to a lot of people, and it’s easy to see why. The author combines delightful storytelling, myth, adventure, and morals to produce one of the classical children’s books.
If you’re a fan of classic literature, The Jungle Book is a must-read, although some of the stories may not be as suitable for super young children. The language may seem a bit old-fashioned, but that’s also part of the book’s charm. This book will transport you to a different time and place, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the written word. The simple stories are sprinkled with fun songs throughout, with poetic imagery and plenty of allegories.
The three stories about the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy living in the jungle, are some of the most popular stories in the book. Mowgli meets characters like Bagheera the panther, the free-spirited bear, Baloo, and the menacing tiger, Shere Khan. Mowgli’s adventures capture the willpower and determination inside each human and offer valuable lessons on how to tackle challenges in our lives. Through Mowgli’s journey, we learn about the dangers that lurk around us, even when they’re not immediately visible. We dive into the complex themes of fear and courage, predator and prey, and the universal struggle to live and comprehend the world around us.
Pros and Cons of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is a series of short fables that anthropomorphize animals to teach moral lessons. | Not all the stories in this book may be suitable for super young children. |
| It is a literary classic that is still widely read over 100 years after it was written. | The language may seem a bit old-fashioned. |
| The author combines delightful storytelling, myth, adventure, and morals in this book. | |
| The old-fashioned language adds to the book’s charm. | |
| This book will transport you to a different time and place. | |
| Mowgli’s adventures capture human willpower and determination and offer valuable lessons on how to tackle life’s challenges. | |
| This book deals with complex themes of fear and courage, predator and prey, and the universal struggle to live and comprehend the world around us. | |
| There is a lot of poetic imagery and plenty of allegories. |
7. Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!: An Animal Poem for Each Day of the Year by Fiona Waters (Editor), Britta Teckentrup (Illustrator)
One of the best children’s books about tigers is Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!: An Animal Poem for Each Day of the Year. This book is a unique collection of animal poems, and includes an astounding 366 of them — one for each day of the year! Inside this excellent anthology, you will find animal poems of all kinds from a variety of writers all over the world. There are poems from well-known authors like William Blake, Carl Sandbury, Christina Rosetti, Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Matsue Basho, Emily Dickinson, and Lewis Carroll — just to name a few!
The book itself is large and has beautiful, bright, and bold illustrations that will draw you into each and every page. The cover depicts the mesmerizing face of a bright orange tiger, who seems to be daring us to open the book. This is such a great book for the whole family to enjoy, both young children and even adults! You can read one of the poems from this book to your children each night before bed. It’s a great collection of fun and engaging animals that also introduces children to many famous poems and authors!
Pros and Cons of Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! An Animal Poem for Each Day of the Year by Fiona Waters (Editor), Britta Teckentrup (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book contains 366 different poems about animals. | |
| The poems are written by writers from all over the world. | |
| These poems come from many well-known authors like Emily Dickinson, Lewis Carroll, William Blake, and Matsue Basho. | |
| The book is large and sturdy. | |
| It has beautiful illustrations that are bright and bold. | |
| This book is a favorite of both young children and adults. | |
| You can read a poem as a family each night before bed (there’s one for each day of the year). | |
| This book is an excellent collection of fun and engaging animals that also introduce children to many famous poems and authors. |
- This book contains 366 different poems about animals from all over the world.
- The poems are written in a variety of styles and by famous authors.
- The illustrations are bright, bold, and engaging.
- There is a poem for each day of the year.
8. Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus (Author), Jose Aruego (Illustrator)
This book is a story about Leo. Leo is just like every other tiger cub, except he is a “late bloomer.” While his friends can do everything with ease, Leo struggles to keep up. Leo’s mother understands, although his father worries about him, and keeps an eye on Leo for the next year. Then suddenly, Leo finally blooms! This book reminds us that everything happens in its own timing.
Leo the Late Bloomer resonates with children who are learning new skills and may not be the fastest or the smartest or the strongest right away. It helps reminds all of us that things take time and patience and that everyone is different. We don’t all grow and develop at the same pace, and that’s okay. The story is also accompanied by adorable illustrations that are bold and colorful, making it one of the best children’s books about tigers.
Pros and Cons of Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus (Author), Jose Aruego (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This story is about a “late bloomer” who isn’t good at the things his friends can do. | |
| It reminds us that everything happens in its own timing. | |
| This book resonates with children who are learning new skills and may not be the fastest or the smartest or the strongest right away. | |
| The book’s message reminds readers that things take time and patience, and that everyone is different and we don’t all grow at the same pace. | |
| The illustrations are cute and colorful. |
- A heartwarming story that validates some people’s experiences.
- Great resource for kids as well as intentional parents.
9. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue (Author), Pamela Zagarenski (Illustrator)
This children’s book about tigers is a beautiful bedtime story with a magical feel. It tells the story of a little girl who, like many children, does not want to go to sleep. Her parents, however, tell her that she doesn’t have to go to sleep, but she does need to complete her usual bedtime routine. Once the girl is in bed, however, she asks her parents, “Does everything in the world go to sleep?” She and her parents talk about how different animals sleep in different ways. Eventually, the little girl feels ready to sleep warm and strong, just like a tiger.
Logue’s story is like a literary form of a warm and cozy blanket. It is warm and comforting, with a seamless blend of simple language and poetic imagery. However, a few customers felt that the story was not active enough to keep their attention.
The dreamy quality of the story is enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations of Pamela Zagarenski. Using a masterful combination of mixed media paintings on wood and computer illustration, Zagarenski brings to life a dreamlike landscape that hovers somewhere between the worlds of wakefulness and slumber.
Zagarenski’s illustrations won the Caldecott Honor in 2013. This book also received the Notable Children’s Books Award from the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) in the same year.
Pros and Cons of Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue (Author), Pamela Zagarenski (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a beautiful bedtime story with a magical feel. | A few customers felt that the story was not active enough to keep their attention. |
| The story is warm and comforting. | |
| The text is written with a seamless blend of simple language and poetic imagery. | |
| The images are dreamy and magical. | |
| The illustrations are stunning with a combination of mixed media paintings on wood and computer illustration. | |
| This book won the Caldecott Honor in 2013. | |
| It also received the Notable Children’s Books Award from the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) in 2013. |
- Great addition to the genre of bedtime stories
- Award-winning, mixed-media paintings
10. Tiger on a Tree by Anushka Ravishankar (Author), Pulak Biswas (Illustrator)
Another great children’s book about tigers that has its own unique cultural style is Tiger on a Tree. This book centers on a curious tiger who wanders into a village in India, which of course sends fear through the people there. However, the tiger is a scaredy-cat, and finds himself unexpectedly stuck in a tree after he flees from a loud goat. The villagers capture the fearful tiger, but in a surprising turn of events, they set him free.
This book employs energetic language that is simple and straightforward, along with brilliant yet simple black-and-orange illustrations, and typography that physically soars alongside the tiger and his pursuers. It is a fun and colorful adventure that young readers can enjoy.
Both Anushka Ravishankar (the author) and Pulak Biswas (the illustrator) are renowned children’s book creators from India. This book is a great example of Ravishankar’s signature style, a mix of humor, compassion, and a pinch of absurdity. It was a recipient of a global award from the Bratislava Biennale of Illustrations. In addition, it was the 2005 winner of the Notable Children’s Book Award by the ALSC.
Pros and Cons of Tiger on a Tree by Anushka Ravishankar (Author), Pulak Biswas (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This story comes from a writer and an illustrator from India and has a unique and beautifully engaging style. | |
| The energetic language is simple and straightforward. | |
| The simple illustrations are cute and engaging, using just black and orange. | |
| The text is placed in energetic positions alongside the images so it seems to follow the tiger and the villagers in the story. | |
| This book is a great example of the author’s signature style, a mix of humor, compassion, and a pinch of absurdity. | |
| It received a global award from the Bratislava Biennale of Illustrations and was the 2005 winner of the Notable Children’s Book Award by the ALSC. |
Criteria: How to Choose the Best Children’s Books About Tigers
As you can see from our list, there are so many wonderful children’s books about tigers available today! So, how do you go about choosing the best one for your child? Well, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Illustrations
- Fiction or nonfiction
- Age appropriate
Illustrations
A well-crafted children’s book is more than just words on a page – it’s a visual adventure that captures a child’s imagination and takes them on a journey they’ll never forget. The illustrations and images can bring a book to life and create a world that is both captivating and mesmerizing. When it comes to learning about tigers, pictures can help children better understand and appreciate these majestic animals. High-quality illustrations or photographs can enhance the child’s understanding of tigers, making the book both informative and visually appealing.
Fiction or Nonfiction
If you’re looking for a children’s book about s tigers, it’s important to consider whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Fictional books can offer imaginative and engaging stories that capture the imagination of young readers, while nonfiction books provide factual and educational insights into the world of tigers. Choosing the best book about tigers largely depends on your child’s interests and learning style. Do they want to learn about scientific facts, habitats, and behaviors of these magnificent creatures? Or do they want to delve into a richly crafted fictional world where tigers have personalities and can speak?
Age Appropriate
Choosing the right book about tigers for your child’s reading pleasure is not just about the captivating storyline or stunning illustrations. It is equally important to consider the age appropriateness and reading level of the book. You want to ensure that your child can comprehend and appreciate the story, without either being overwhelmed by words above their reading level or bored by a story that is too simplistic for their age. A book that fits your child’s age and reading level can make it much more engaging and entertaining for them.
The 10 Best Children’s Books About Tigers FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What types of children's books about tigers are available?
There are many types of children’s books about tigers, including picture books, fiction stories, and non-fiction books that provide information about the animal’s habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts.
Can children's books about tigers help kids learn about conservation efforts?
Yes, many children’s books about tigers touch on conservation efforts for the species and can be a great way to introduce children to the importance of protecting endangered animals. In addition, even fiction books with tigers that are fun and friendly expose children to these animals and can help them develop an interest in the natural world.
Why should children read books about tigers?
Reading books about tigers can promote a love of reading and learning in children. It also helps to develop language and cognitive skills, enhance creativity and imagination, and foster an appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.
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