Child's Play

How wise is a wise man who lets himself be tricked by a hungry tiger? Faced with becoming breakfast, the wise man calls on animals in the trees to intervene and save him from the tiger’s jaws. But he finds that nature, tormented in so many ways by mankind, has little interest in saving human skin and he is left to his fate by all except a passing Jackal. Rescue by a Jackal may not be the safest option either, so who is the wisest of all creatures? This retelling of a traditional Indian tale is a great ten minute read for under eight-year-olds.

Cork Evening Echo, Autumn 2004. 23rd August 2024

This is from a series of traditional tales with a twist. A wise man is tricked by a tiger and thinks he will be eaten, especially as all the animals which he has asked to help are against him. How will he escape from the tiger’s jaws, and how does the jackal outwit the wily tiger and capture the wise man for his own dinner? Does the wise man manage to escape for a second time? Read on and find out. The text is in large print for small children and the illustrations by Diana Mayo are brilliantly coloured and delightful, often covering a double page. Look at the tiger’s varying expressions, they are fascinating. This is for young readers of KS1 or those who like being read to. A good dramatic story.

School Librarian Journal. 1st December 2004