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Tiger vs. Nightmare

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Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it’s time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger—that’s not what best friends do.

But Monster needs to scare someone…it’s a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away. Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can’t fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away.

In this charming graphic novel for young readers, cartoonist Emily Tetri proves that unlikely best friends can be an unbeatable team, even agianst the scariest monsters.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2018

14 people are currently reading
860 people want to read

About the author

Emily Tetri

3 books12 followers
Emily Tetri is a Design and Color Supervisor, Background Painter and Visual Development Artist.

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5 stars
828 (50%)
4 stars
630 (38%)
3 stars
163 (9%)
2 stars
20 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
Profile Image for sAmAnE.
1,323 reviews143 followers
August 11, 2021
برای بچه‌هایی که از خواب‌های ترسناک میترسن!
Profile Image for Lata.
4,756 reviews249 followers
March 16, 2019
4.5 stars. Totally adorable story of a young tiger and her monster friend who plays with her after eating curry, then fends off tiger's nightmares. The relationship between the two is cute, and the part I found weird about this story is a moose and rhino sitting down to dinner with Tiger's parents (why would prey (moose) want to eat with tigers?). I did like the flying cars everyone seemed to have. And monster and young Tiger were kind of adorable.
Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,729 reviews102 followers
May 4, 2019
Emily Tetri's Tiger vs. Nightmare (one of the 2019 Theodore Seuss Geisel Award honour books) presents a truly charmingly heartwarming graphic novel (meant for beginning readers, but probably not suitable for complete reading novices if they are reading entirely on their own, albeit in my humble opinion Tiger vs. Nightmare indeed is suitable for anyone both young and old), a sweetly encouraging tale about young Tiger and her best friend, a blueish fish-like monster, who not only plays with her and is Tiger's constant companion but who at night also keeps her nightmares away, until one night, a really extreme and truly horrifying entity invades Tiger's dreams (and it takes both Tiger and her monster to not only fight against this new and increasingly frightening nightmare together and as a team but to also realise that nightmares do tend to come from one's own thoughts and that the only way to lastingly and successfully fight against this is to confront one's nightmares, to overcome one's fears and to realise that they are often, if not usually not all that real and therefore generally imagined and as such rather insubstantial).

Tiger vs. Nightmare is a perfect book for children who have invisible friends (and is also encouraging for children dealing with nightmares and the fear of there perhaps being monsters in their rooms, with the manner in which Tiger is finally able to confront her worst nightmare by bravely standing tall and telling both it and herself that her fears are actually not all that real anyhow being the magic bullet so to speak, being what finally causes her nightmare vision to simply disappear once and for all). Highly recommended, but with the in my opinion more than necessary caveat that while I have found Emily Tetri's illustrations (albeit of course rather cartoon-like) aesthetically expressive and in many ways a visual treat, the pictorial renderings of the various nightmares (and in particular Tiger's final and worst nightmare) are in my opinion quite majorly creepy and might well even frighten very sensitive children (and personally speaking, if I had encountered Tiger vs. Nightmare as a young child, Emily Tetri's depicted nightmares would have more than likely creeped me out quite a bit and perhaps even have caused my own set of bad dreams just because they have been so intensely and imaginatively drawn).
Profile Image for Emily.
261 reviews18 followers
October 20, 2018
Beautiful artwork accompanies such a sweet and empowering story. Tiger learns how to handle those pesky nightmares of hers!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
12.5k reviews478 followers
June 5, 2019
Wonderful fable for families, adults who like to read with their inner children, and anyone who has an imagination that will not behave itself.

What makes it even more special is the world-building. I love the fact that Tiger's mom and dad (or is it dad and papa?) are both mechanics in their shop for flying cars. I love the opening scene of a dinner party with a fox, a deer, and a rhino. I love the quite scary nightmares. I love that Monster has no obvious gender. In other words, it's a very inclusive and welcoming book without being preachy.

I agree with Beverly that it's probably a best fit for children in second grade, but of course it depends on how sensitive a child is, and whether the child will be reading independently or with a parent.

I was moved by it, highly recommend it, and will look for more by the author.
Profile Image for Lindsi (Do You Dog-ear?).
755 reviews232 followers
November 24, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

We loved this! Tiger vs. Nightmare was an amazing story about friendship and conquering your fears. My son has only recently started believing that monsters lurk in the dark corners of his room, so this book was very applicable to him right now.

However, instead of Monster being something Tiger is afraid of, Monster is her friend that lives underneath her bed. They play together every evening (her parents think she has an imaginary friend), and Monster keeps the nightmares away. They have a solid friendship and a good nighttime routine, until the night a nightmare gets through.

I don't want to give anything away, but eventually the two of them have to work together to conquer their fears, and they end up becoming better friends because of it. Tiger couldn't rely on Monster to do all of the work, she had to learn to face her fears and be there for her friend.

Tiger vs. Nightmare might look like a long book, but it's a quick read with a wonderful story. It's definitely one we're going to be adding to our shelves.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,593 reviews33 followers
July 9, 2018
Amazing! Simply Amazing. Tiger has a best friend that everyone thinks is imaginary, but Tiger knows better. And his best friend is amazing. He keeps watch at night so Tiger gets a great night’s sleep. His most frightens all the nightmares away. But sometimes a nightmare is just too big, and needs more than one person to make it go away. The story is simple for even the youngest child, but it is the illustrations that make the story so great. The illustrator does an amazing job making some nightmares seem nice and easy, and others big bad menaces. I can not wait to see what Emily puts out next.
Profile Image for DivaDiane SM.
1,169 reviews117 followers
September 3, 2019
This is a lovely story for children age 4/5 to 7/8. My almost 10 year old enjoyed it, even on multiple occasions but it’s not long or involved, so better suited to younger readers.

I won’t summarize, because I’m sure the blurb does that adequately.

The artwork is line drawing and water colors. The tigers have a kind of childish quality to their rendering which makes them quite endearing. It is the combination of illustrations and text that make this book so lovely. It’s in comic book style and the illustrations really flesh out the story and the emotional content in a delightful way. Empowering to any young child.
Profile Image for Kendall.
135 reviews49 followers
September 23, 2018
What a great book for kids struggling with nightmares. Tiger and the monster under Tiger’s Bed are friends and while Tiger sleeps, the monster friend fights off all the nightmares that threaten Tiger’s dreams...until one night the nightmare is so enormous, Tiger has to help fight it off. All about friendship, facing your fears, teamwork, and not being afraid of the thing under your bed, this is a superb bedtime story for kids with colorful, dynamic artwork.
Profile Image for Dax.
1,955 reviews45 followers
January 11, 2020
Wow. This was amazingly adorable and did a great job with the (scary) parts. The art is on point and the story absolutely melted my heart. Here's to getting help fighting our own demons and here's to learning how to fight for yourself and others!!!
Profile Image for Theresa.
665 reviews
October 9, 2018
I read an ARC via NetGalley. This graphic novel for beginning readers is about a young tiger who works with the monster under her bed to scare away nightmares. The watercolor artwork was evocative, but may be a little scary for picture book readers. However, it is perfect for ages 5-8. Recommended for young readers dealing with nightmares. A quick and cute read.
Profile Image for Jillian.
52 reviews
November 26, 2018
This was so adorable. ^.^ Wish I had a monster to fight my nightmares!
Profile Image for BookishOwlette.
145 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2018
Oh my gosh! This was adorable! Perfect and cute! I loved it so much!

If you want a book about friendship and conquering fear.. this is it for you.

Also, the artwork is amazing.
Profile Image for Jera Em.
152 reviews23 followers
March 11, 2019
This was cute and a lot of fun to read. The solution to Nightmare was also solid and I liked the ally throughout as well as the ambiguity of whether the ally was "real" or not. Worth a read. ^^
Profile Image for Laura.
363 reviews47 followers
July 8, 2019
Really beautiful watercolor illustrations. Plus a sweet story. Those illustrations, though . . . . First Second publishing hits another one out of the park.
Profile Image for Kirsti.
2,874 reviews131 followers
November 4, 2021
Well of course a little tiger lives in a house with her mommy and daddy and goes to school by landspeeder and brushes her teeth with Fang Wash! This is a rollicking fantasy with delightful illustrations and a little bit of a lesson: Nightmares aren't real and can't hurt you.
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book668 followers
May 25, 2020
This is a fun tale about an anthropomorphic family of tigers, with a focus on the young tiger who befriends a monster who shields her from nightmarish monsters who come when the tiger is dreaming.

Parents of younger children should note that the nightmare monsters could be considered quite scary and those children who are particularly sensitive to scary images may not be best served by this book. However, those who want comfort and a good role model who is able to chase the nightmares away may benefit greatly from it.

The narrative is short and engaging and is sure to appeal to young children. But from my perspective, the way that the young tiger learns to become brave and self-confident as well as a true friend to her monster pal is a well thought out lesson that is important for children to hear.

I love that the characters appear to be gender non-specific, so much so that I actually thought the young tiger was a boy the first time I read it.

I also love that the illustrations have many interesting details above and beyond the critical items that center around the plot so that subsequent rereadings (and with younger children there almost always are), will generate opportunities to discuss the family dynamics and ask questions that are not answered by the story, like 'Why do the moose, fox, wolf, and rhino want to eat dinner at the tigers' house?'

Overall, the illustrations are a bit fuzzy, but colorful, and the little tiger is adorable (as is her monster friend). I really enjoyed reading this book in ebook format.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,276 reviews30 followers
January 31, 2019
The superficial resemblance to Calvin & Hobbes' tiger and the fantasy/sci-fi elements in that strip are impossible to miss, but seem like a minor detail after the first few pages.

Here's what I love about this book: the loving friendship between Tiger and his Monster; the supportive love of Tiger's parents that includes some gentle teasing; the slowly building tension - that really takes its time to develop; the emotionally rich expressions in the pictures and in the story; the didactic bit that provides a lesson in a ferocious, adventurous, respectful way; the casual mix of ordinary human interactions typical of social families & neighbors WITH a futuristic setting including hovercraft and a very sweet domed living unit.

Every part & aspect of this book is "just right" in my opinion.

The tigers feel & appear gender-neutral; one parent is called "Dad" while the other isn't named or gendered, the main character is called "daughter" at one point; and the monster is referred to as "it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea Johnston.
213 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2018
Man oh man, ladies and gents! This book is absolutely adorable! Filled with themes of best friends, bravery, conquering your fears, and nighttime terrors, this is such a special work that should be on all bookshelves. I think one of the greatest things about this novel is its fresh take on monsters under the bed, and what it means to face your own nightmares. This work could very easily become the new textbook on managing nightmares with children because it is such an exceptional and accessible story that parents can take out, read with their children, and have a perfect avenue to discuss what may be scaring their child, or what kind of nightmares they're dealing with and positive ways of coping. Top that off with a story of true friendship and we really do have a winner.

Beautiful story! Brilliant illustrations and a heartwarming ending makes this book the perfect addition to every public and home library! Enjoy reading and sweet dreams!
Profile Image for Barbara.
14.6k reviews310 followers
December 14, 2018
Although most youngsters are a bit afraid of what's under their beds, assuming that there must be a monster down there, Tiger isn't worried a bit. After all, she knows there's a monster under her bed, but the monster is her friend. Before bedtime, they pass the time playing games, and then while Tiger is sleeping soundly, her monster protects her from whatever monsters dare to creep into the room. But eventually, Monster faces a monster so intimidating that it will take the two friends to bring it to its knees so that they both can sleep without being plagued by bad dreams. I liked the fact that Tiger's parents had no idea that Monster was real, assuming that this was some imaginary friend, and I also liked the fact that Tiger and Monster solved their problem for themselves. The panels with the scary monster are quite frightening, but the book itself may reassure youngsters about some of their fears about the dark and the unknown.
Profile Image for Emmy.
2,403 reviews55 followers
August 7, 2018
Tiger has a monster under her bed. But, it's okay! The monster is her friend. Every night, Tiger brings Monster dinner, the two of them play games, and then Monster protects Tiger all night, keeping nightmares at bay and guaranteeing a good night's sleep. But, one night, a nightmare crops up that even Monster can't scare away, and Tiger has to learn to handle her fears herself.

What I loved about this book is that it's just right for a young audience. Monsters can be friendly and nightmares can easily be scared away. You just have to remember that they're not real, they can't hurt you, and they're all in your head. All in all, this is a feel-good story with excellent illustrations--and it's just the right length for a younger reader!
Profile Image for Mandy | bookiesncreme.
423 reviews32 followers
February 17, 2019
I picked up this book because it won an award during the ALA Mid Winter Conference this year. I didn’t expect to read such an awesome graphic novel!!

I love that this is truly a graphic novel for children (and adults). Tiger has Monster for a friend. Monster takes guard every night as Tiger sleeps, and fends off her nightmares for her, until one night it’s too difficult to do alone.

This story stresses an amazing lesson for children (& adults need to be reminded too!) that nightmares come from you own head, and you’re able to conquer them.

I can’t wait to read this to my future children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beth Given.
1,493 reviews55 followers
February 22, 2019
After my five-year-old heard about the book Tiger vs. Nightmare (he watched the tail end of the AMA Awards with me, and this won the Theodor Sues Geisel Honor this year), he would ask repeatedly if it had arrived on our hold shelf yet! This is the perfect book for kids who have older siblings who love graphic novels; this is a graphic novel for beginning readers and my son loved exploring this one on his own and sharing it with the rest of the family (so often it’s the other way around). Loved the story and themes (imagination + friendship + resilience). Five stars from my kindergartener and from me!
Profile Image for Laia • vidaentrellibres.
558 reviews589 followers
August 28, 2022
Tigresa contra pesadilla · Exemplar de col·laboració


Sota el llit de la tigressa hi viu un monstre. Un monstre que és amic seu: juguen, dormen junts... I és que aquest monstre no li fa por. Al contrari. Espanta els seus malsons. Fins que un dia un malson molt gran també espanta el petit monstre, i aquella nit no protegeix a la tigressa. A partir d'aquell dia lluiten junts i allunyen els malsons.

Una novel·la gràfica molt bonica, jo diria a partir de 7/8 anys perquè encara que hi ha poca lletra, la història és metafòrica i cal entendre'n el rerefons. Aporta una conclusió molt important per als nens i nenes i, de segur, que també molt compartida.
Profile Image for Terri.
274 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2020
Graphic novel for younger kids, but the nightmares are scary looking! The monster under tiger's bed helps her by fending off the nightmares until one night when the nightmare is too big and scary and tiger realizes she needs to help to rid herself of nightmares and then both she and the monster can sleep.
Profile Image for Rebecca Davis.
91 reviews
February 15, 2019
Tiger has a friend, a monster, that lives under his bed. His monster fights off the nightmares until he isn't able to anymore. Tiger and monster come up with a solution together. Beautiful illustrations, wonderful story line. Walks the border between a beginner graphic novel and a picture book. Recommend.
Profile Image for Tin Cheung.
278 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2018
Cute story, beautiful illustrations.

Little Tiger has become friends with her nightmare monster, whom fends off other nightmares... until one night, Tiger get a nightmare. What happened to her monster?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews

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