Louis the Tiger Who Came from the Sea

PreS-Gr 2—The success of this book depends on readers' willingness to get past the unusual premise: an aquatic tiger. The family's reaction to the slumbering, soaking-wet beast that shows up on its lawn one morning is both humorous and imaginative. Ali and Ollie don swim gear to attempt feeding Louis a bucketful of milk and cereal. When their parents appear to see what all the fuss is about, a roaring yawn from the creature sends them all running for cover behind the couch. But when the tiger commandeers Ollie's freshly drawn bath, it's time for action. The children conclude that the only way to be rid of this frightful and odiferous houseguest is to dress up as sea creatures and lead it to the beach. The father's homemade octopus outfit (with enough fabric for only six tentacles instead of eight) is particularly comical. As the tiger paddles out to sea and the family, holding flippers, stands watch, readers feel a sense of relief, but also a nagging bit of confusion. Where on earth is that tiger going? Walker's wacky, softly colored line drawings are filled with fluid movement befitting the seaside setting and are reminiscent of Nancy Carpenter's signature scribbles. An amusing but additional purchase.—Jenna Boles, Washington-Centerville Public Library, OH