There’s a Tiger in the Garden

Giraffe is bored. Grandma tells Nora to take Giraffe out to the garden where there are dragonflies the size of bird, a grumpy polar bear and a tiger (among other things). Of course, Nora thinks she is too old to believe in such fanciful tales. But she goes out into the garden nonetheless. And in the garden, she learns that she is in for the surprise of her life. The stories are very true. This picture book is charming. The story is “use your imagination” but in a slightly unique tone from other books of the same theme. It tells you adventure is around the corner. Stewart reminds you that you are never too old to dream and have a surprise around every corner…. or in your bathtub.

This is a debut picture book by the author/illustrator Lizzy Stewart. The illustrations have an interesting combination of realistic and slight abstractness to them. They are bright and fun to read as well. They complement the texts imaginative story. You will find yourself looking for the tiger as you learn that Grandma’s tales are not so tall…. or are they? The point of this books is to use your imagination and if you believe it is real, then it is real.

Hopefully children will be inspired to go out and try to find their own grumpy polar bears and tigers in their own gardens. Or, if they do not have a garden, to just imagine a story.

There’s a Tiger in the Garden and there should be a Tiger in your book collection.