The year of 2022 was the year of the Water Tiger. Our little water tiger arrived during a storm with streaks of lightning racing across the sky. As the storm clouds part, a rainbow appears and a tiger cub falls from the clouds into the deep blue sea. As he climbs slowly out of the water our little tiger cub has had all his stripes washed off, so he has no markings to show what animal he is. Who, or what, can he be? Is he a tiger? How can he be a tiger if he has no stripes?
He sets off on his journey where he meets the animals of the Chinese Lunar Year, who try to help. But without his stripes, that may be rather difficult. He meets the tigers of Malaysia, India and South China, who he wishes to be. It’s not until he meets Mulan, the wise and mythical phoenix, that he begins to understand who he is. His journey to find and understand himself comes with a great reward.
With explanatory notes in the back, this little book is a retelling of a legend. It has the feel of a classic. It’s beautifully presented and tugs at the heartstrings. It also carries a very important message as our mindful water tiger cub goes on a journey of love, friendship and self-discovery. It is the first in a series of Chinese zodiac animal tales. This reviewer is looking forward to the next one.
Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 6+
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