Book recommendation: The Tiger Who Came to Tea

8th December 2020

In today’s book recommendation we have a warm and heartfelt picture book perfect for children ages 5-6. British author Judith Kerr wrote and illustrated this loving short story The Tiger Who Came to Tea for her daughter. It has long ago adapted for theatre under the same title in the United Kingdom. In memory of Kerr a television adaption aired in 2019, much loved by children of all ages. If a tiger came knocking on your door one day, what would you do?

The picture book begins with Sophie enjoying afternoon tea with her mother in the kitchen. The doorbell rings, and startles them both. Who could be visiting at this hour? The intruder is a kind and friendly tiger, who joins them and quickly finishes all the food, even draining all the water from the tap. With completely empty kitchen cupboards, the entire family decides to go out for a meal at the restaurant. The next day they thoughtfully go buy a huge tin of tiger nibbles for their friend, the tiger, though eventually it does not return.

In this imaginative story, Kerr daringly contrasts a fierce animal, like the tiger, with the compassionate and tender young girl. Sophie truly demonstrates the politeness and British etiquette, even in presence of the uninvited guest. Both Sophie and her parents show great love and generosity. You can discover bits and pieces of Britishness in the story, such as the British afternoon tea, buns, sandwiches, biscuits and cake. This can be a lead to introduce British culture to our children. Personally, this is a wonderful and loved picture book. Right level of difficulty for children ages 5-6 who are transitioning from simple vocabulary to reading material with slightly more phrases.

Instead of a fierce and tough animal, children find the tiger as a silly and adventurous cat with an astonishing appetite. They are willing to reach out to the tiger and cuddle intimately, because in love there is no fear. At the same time this story encourages the joy from sharing. Sharing with family, friends, teachers and even animals! The heart of each child is pure with unimaginable affection for all those around them. As parents, we can follow the example of this loving family. Lending a helping hand, even if a scary-looking tiger shows up at your front door! Just as if friends come to visit, we can encourage our children to share our treasured possessions with our guests. Inspire them to treat others with love and kindness, and make the world a warmer and more loving place through hospitality in daily life.

To learn more about English enhancement and language education, please consult our education consultancy team.

Photo Credit：
1.http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_54173fdc0102v803.html
2.https://m.sohu.com/a/400088840_682173/?pvid=000115_3w_a
3.http://www.yidianzixun.com/article/0QA0YP3B