The little tiger

The fifth in a series of wonder-filled, special-event-themed books. Ollie, a small child with skin the color of the page, previously seen sporting rabbit, reindeer, bear, and kitten costumes, here takes on the persona of a very gentle tiger. It's not springtime, winter holiday, back-to-school time, or Halloween; it's her birthday, and she's received a tiger suit. As she is "practicing her roar," alone with the cat, she spots a gigantic bunch of balloons outside the window and races out. Though she runs and runs, they almost float away, and she considers giving up. Then she remembers she's a tiger and, roaring, she persists. With a huge leap she grabs them, and they lift her aloft. She flies for a while, then drops softly down and, "determined," follows a path through some (oddly bare) trees, to find…a surprise party for her, with all her animal friends! Activities include a treasure hunt, a freeze dance, blowing and popping bubbles, and a birthday lunch with cake. Of course she thanks everyone, and "drifting gently home," she gives a "joyful roar." Tender, textured grayscale lines and touches of watercolor render the magic of a "birthday she would always remember" completely believable. Another sweet celebration of imagination. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.