Mr Tiger Goes Wild

By Peter Brown (Macmillan)

Toddlers love this original tale of a very civilized tiger who lives a very Victorian lifestyle with teas and smart clothes and perfect manners – until he decides he wants to go wild. First he starts walking on all fours. Then he jumps in the fountain and roars and finally he takes all his clothes off! His animal friends are not impressed and tell him to go be wild in the wilderness. It’s a sad day when your fellow animals tell you to go away simply because you are expressing your natural instincts!

At first Tiger has great fun but then realises he misses his friends so he comes back to try convince them all to get a little wild. It’s a lovely message about being yourself while also encouraging understanding of different views. All the animals need to find a balance. Beautiful vintage style illustrations in India ink, watercolour, gouache and pencil on paper make this one of my favourite covers. Check out the You Tube presentation here.