Sometimes, a tiger

K-Gr 3--If George Bailey, facing ruin in It's A Wonderful Life, wrestled the illustrations away from Anthony Browne (Ernest the Elephant, Gorilla), the result would be Asterplume's optimistic debut about food insecurity. Readers see Dario's bed, a bare mattress on the floor. His toothbrush is in a bucket, and his lamp has no shade. It's a gray day, there is little food, but when this pale-skinned boy with slicked-over brown hair finds a tiger in the pantry, the day brightens. Working in a style that resembles Hilary Knight's in Betty MacDonald's "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" books, Asterplume has a perfect grasp of the give-and-take between pictures and text. Readers will be as perplexed and wondrous as the diverse group of children and adults within the book, including the token crotchety neighbor, as animals of all stripe fill the classroom, shops, and surroundings in a day full of surprises. What is real and what is imaginary? That Dario needs to eat is never taken for granted, and there is a groundswell of attention for his situation that may be idealized, but feels like a good start. The tiger, though realistically depicted, is more Tony the Tiger than William Blake, but the metaphor works. Wonder is not available to everyone, but Dario shares his. VERDICT A powerful imagination is no substitute for a good meal, but this book drops a broad hint that good spirits and a caring community can be rallied to the cause.--Kimberly Olson Fakih

A sparse pantry still holds possibility…and a tiger! Dario opens the pantry to find few options for breakfast: "a can of beans, pretzels, pickles." His hunger is forgotten, however, when he discovers a tiger hiding within. The boy and his tiger meet opposition throughout their day. Classmates question whether a tiger can ride the bus, his teacher finds the tiger distracting, and a neighbor eyes the pair with disdain. Dario greets each conflict with cheeky optimism until everyone discovers animal companions of their own and eventually begins to see "what could be instead of just what was." With their perspectives shifted, Dario's community comes together to fill his plate. Animals, including Dario's tiger, a bejeweled giraffe, and an octopus clutching celery, are whimsically rendered, participating in visual gags that will delight young readers. While adults may use this book to start a conversation about food insecurity, the connection between Dario's empty pantry and the parade of creatures is vague at best--without grown-ups to prompt discussion, most readers will be perplexed. Dario and his parent have light-tan skin and brown hair. His classmates and neighbors are diverse; one child uses a wheelchair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet but confusing introduction to the value of mutual aid. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.