Baker has created a simple, rhyming text in the form of a riddle and stunning full-color illustrations to tell the story of animals fleeing from a beast. Children will know who the beast is before the tiger does--and can join the adventure as they read. "A handsome book with an appealing story and a gentle, implicit message."--Kirkus Reviews.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 1-- As a tiger makes his way through the jungle, other animals flee at the sight of the ``beast.'' When he peers into a river, he sees no creature but himself. Could he be the beast? He retraces his steps and points out the similar features he shares with the other animals he has encountered: the catfish's whiskers, the snake's green eyes, etc. The story ends with happy recognition of the many ways in which the animals are alike. Baker's deceptively simple story told in rhyme is matched with rich, brilliantly colored paintings. Heavy black outlines, dark backgrounds and patterns fill the pages reflecting the denseness of the jungle setting, and the well-designed spreads flow gracefully across the page. Children will enjoy the comparisons of the story as well as the beguiling illustrations. --Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library

Traces of the beast are detected by the other forest animals as a magnificent young tiger makes his way through the jungle. The swipe of a majestic striped tail, the flash of hypnotic green eyes and the gleam of pristine white from the underside of massive paws flicker in the undergrowth. As the patterns and colors of the densely foliated habitat become familiar, so the parallels between creatures become obvious. One whiskered face studies another as the tiger stares past his own reflection to a whiskered fish beneath the surface. One pair of green eyes beholds a mirror image when the tiger comes upon a snake. As each creature's unique structure is made evident, a lesson about the tremendous value of the animals and plants that inhabit our world speaks softly through Baker's ( The Magic Fan ) rhythmic text. The luxuriant artwork blends the use of dark, saturant color and dry over dry painting to create stunning spreads. Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator's imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)