Rating: *** 3 stars

Joanna Skipwith,
Tiger
Silver Jungle 'Animals in Art'.

Ages 8-10

This is a fascinating and comprehensive study of the history, iconography and current plight of the various species of tiger. Perhaps the most important aspect of this book is that a substantial proportion of the sales income will go towards efforts to save these creatures from extinction. The book covers many aspects of the tiger's identity, factual and folkloric and is illustrated with an eclectic range of imagery including ancient mosaics, early Japanese prints, stills from Disney and of course the inevitable lurid chocolate-boxy portraits. Ernest H. Shepard's representation of Milne's Tigger makes an appearance too. Reading and looking we are reminded of just how established this beautiful animal is in our collective psyches and how fragile its continued survival prospects are.

Martin Salisbury
November 2006, No. 161

 Guide to the rating system:
***** 5 stars, unmissable
**** 4 stars, very good
*** 3 stars, good
** 2 stars, fair
* 1 star, poor