Once Upon A Tiger – Author feature and Review
Using the cover to touch on the all important concept and writing
What makes this book particularly special for me is that I wrote it too. But the core concept of ONCE UPON A TIGER, of a child sitting upon a tiger, gathered dust in a notebook for years. Finally FINALLY though, after signing with my new agent, I was generously given license and the support to believe that it really was something I was capable of.
NOISE was the starting point of the story. I remembered so fondly how my (now very grown-up) son loved to join in with animal noises during story times. So I wanted to make a story that children could ‘Boodlee… boo’ and ‘Hellloooo’ to, and most of all to ‘ROAR’ at the top of their beings if they so wished. And the rest of the structure, the story of caring and kind empathy… that had just been sitting there, ready-made inside of me, for years too!
My Review
The first thing that captures your attention when you have the pleasure of getting yout hands on a copy of this beautiful book is the title on the cover having a rose gold foil detailing to it, and you appreciate how fitting that colour choice is given this is a story with a tiger at the centre of it. Sarah’s stunning illustrative style makes the cover design worthy of awards and truly captures the characteristics of the characters within the unfolding adventure – three curious children, one peculiar tiger, and their extraordinary interactions. The adventure that unfolds is as magical as it is heartfelt by all involved, even if Tiger doesn’t realise it yet.
The story begins by introducing us to Tiger and the animals that also inhabit the mountainous jungle terrain that is stunningly illustrated on each page. Readers get acquainted with a menagerie of animals, including parakeets, monkeys, and crocodiles, all of which are brought to life on the page through the use of vibrant colours that captivate your attention throughout, staying true to life whilst paying such incredible attention to detail. Each beautiful scene is worthy of being hung in a gallery, evoking the most magical majestic vibes for you to appreciate and absorb, and you are immediately drawn into this stunning scenery and eager to explore more of it as you accompany Tiger.
We learn that Tiger is unique compared with how we know and expect that species to be, and his desire to not be surrounded by the noise and chaos around him becomes very clear, as does his need to be alone so others do not realise he is different. Taking the most dominant animal there and making him vulnerable is such a clever stark contrast to make, and it leaves you feeling very empathetic with Tiger. He seemingly just wants to be accepted for who he is, and instead he keeps his distance from others.
When Tiger awakes to find himself now accompanied by three aptly named children, he is far from impressed. This does nothing to help him maintain the pretence of being a brave, bold, fierce animal to others. What follows is a creative selection of attempts to separate himself from the children, with each idea being unsuccessful given the children embrace each and every one of them with laughter and enjoyment highly apparent. It is only when the children are reminded of home that they become sad and their longing to return home to their loved ones resonates with the reader. The illustrations capture these emotions beautifully and ensure this turning point in the story really hits home with readers of all ages.
This is when Tiger really comes into his own, stepping up to the benefit of his three residents, and cementing how brave and selfless he truly is as a result. Tiger helps the children, and in return he finally gets what he has been longing for, but something has changed inside of Tiger and with this personal growth comes a better understanding as to what he does truly want, and he has the help to achieve it now too.
The conclusion to this story both heartwarming and evocative, leaving you happy to take your final steps with Tiger who has grown to become that which he believed he never could be and avoided others as a result. Tiger is fierce, loyal, brave, selfless, and perhaps most of all, he is once again a reminder to us all that embracing who you are and what makes you unique is what makes you special, and gives you that true sense of belonging too. This resonates with the sense of home, that place you can truly be yourself and know you belong, and this picture book tying together messages of friendship, courage, belonging, and kindness amongst an unforgettable adventure with a Tiger at the helm is what cements this book as one to truly cherish on your little ones book shelves, in school classrooms, libraries, and the hearts of all those who get to enjoy it. This is an award winning picture book in the making at its very finest.
Check out the entire Once Upon A Tiger blog tour for additional insight into this stunning new picture book written and illustrated by Sarah Massini, with blog tour information found on the banner below. Once Upon A Tiger is available to purchase from all good booksellers.
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