The Tiger of Turkestan

by Nonny Hogrogian

Heeding his dying grandmother's words, Little Tiger tries to be different from all the other animals by doing the opposite of what they do.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Nonny Hogrogian is an Armenian-American writer and illustrator, known best for children's picture books. She has won two annual Caldecott Medals for U.S. children's book illustrations. Since childhood she prefers folk and fairy tales, poetry, fantasy and stories.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Tiger came to say goodbye to his dying grandmother and the aged tigress whispered wise words to her oldest grandson. Little Tiger, stunned by the advice she’d given him, considered her words and, after that, was a changed tiger.

Soon, Tiger was no longer Little Tiger and he set out on a journey to find out what he could about everything and to understand himself. What will Tiger discover on his journey? And will it change his life?

Young readers will be delighted with both the charming illustrations and the enchanting tale recounted here. This is a story likely to be enjoyed by both young and old and re-read time and time again.

Highly recommended.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title told in fable form has a good message for all of us. As the tiger grows from his young years into adulthood he continues to remember what his grandmother tiger told prior to her death, Do nothing, just hunt and eat like all tigers or do something no one else never does. After journeying for a long time the tiger in his maturity he realizes he is like the other animals, however, unlike everyone else because he is himself. Read and find out what the unique passion of the tiger is. We each have our own unique passion.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised there aren't more reviews of this book. It is a lovely story about being different from others and being happy with who you are. The watercolor illustrations are dreamlike and hopeful.

I want to say this is a retelling of the story and philosophy of Rumi. But I don't know enough about him to be sure.

[Victoria Roberts]

I like this as a folktale story. It's very easy to follow and read aloud. The charming illustrations adds to the story. The story is simple, but I don't see it as boring.