Review by Booklist Review
Toys are scattered about, sweets mysteriously eaten, and caregiver Penny's yarn is unraveled, but as Lily persistently insists, it's Tiger's fault, not hers--and Tiger, who's visible only to Lily, isn't sorry. With no apology forthcoming, Penny sends unremorseful Tiger to his--aka Lily's--room. But Tiger's not ready to settle down and suggests running away. Once outdoors, they "stomp and jump and make a mess" to their hearts' delight. Soon, however, Lily grows tired of Tiger's antics, ready to be less wild and return home. Happily, just then, Penny finds her, bringing reassuring hugs and, for Lily, some perspective, including how one's actions--and behaviors--can impact others. First published in the UK as Tiger Lily, this showcases a lively text and colorfully expressive, scribbly bold-line drawings that incorporate peppy moments, like cute, energetic Tiger and Lily happily frolicking in the grass. There's sweetness here, too, in a bedtime tucking-in (Tiger included). While some story elements tread familiar ground, this approaches the topic of imaginary pals--as well as how to be responsible and considerate--in entertaining and supportive fashion.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Lily is a small girl with dark hair, and Tiger, who lives with her, is large, knavish, and unrepentant. Not only does he steal strawberry fairy cakes and unravel purple yarn belonging to Penny, the home's resident adult, but "he isn't sorry," Lily announces. "Which was true," the narrator notes, "he wasn't." The charismatic Tiger talks Lily into running away: "We can be wild!" he promises. Though Lily goes along, and is glad to have a protector, she sometimes wants quiet and is truly irritated when she discovers that Tiger has eaten all their supplies. Fortunately, rescue is close at hand. Millward's artwork is joyously true to Tiger's wildness--scribbly marks and loopy lines convey the adventure, and the letters of important words appear in passionate strokes of color ("They stomped through the long grass"). But what can be made of Tiger, whose insipid remorse is no more than an afterthought? He doesn't have to fix anything he has broken or make more of the food he's eaten, and it's not clear whether he actually exists or is a naughtier part of Lily's consciousness. In any case, the sheer anarchy of Tiger's exuberance offers brief respite from manners, schedules, and other tiresome restraints, showing that there's room for freedom and order in reasonable turns. Ages 3--7. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--A young girl and her imaginary friend Tiger make some poor choices before learning how to balance wild and tame behaviors. Initially Lily blames Tiger for a number of messes, including paint on the couch, a ball of yarn unspooled throughout the living room, and a a batch of devoured cupcakes. Incredulous of Lily's excuses, Penny, the adult figure in this story, punishes both culprits. Neither Tiger or Lily are ready to face their mistakes, so they run away where they can truly be "wild." They frolic in the grass, stomping and jumping and relishing in the freedom of doing as they please. Tiger's unruliness eventually overwhelms Lily, and she longs to be "quiet and still." Millward's illustrations are childlike and have a relatable quality. When Lily reunites with Penny, she admits "Tiger is sorry," a deflection children may use to communicate their emotions, but a potentially confusing lesson about personal responsibility. VERDICT With an authentic depiction of common emotions and behaviors, the book has an uneven message, but delivers it with charm. An additional purchase.--Jessica Agudelo, New York P.L.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Lily blames her wild and willful behavior on her imaginary tiger, but she learns there's a time for wild and a time for quiet. Big-eyed and seemingly innocent, Lily sits amid a kid-crafting disaster zone. As paint oozes down the side of the couch (which barely hides a hulking orange-and-black striped mass with ears and a tail), Lily declares Tiger the culprit. The "two" continue to wreak havoc wherever they go until Lily, unabashed and unapologetic, receives a timeout. With Tiger roaring the enticing words "We can do anything we want. We can be wild!" the two run away. Lily's expressive mop of black hair flies free behind her gleeful, paper-white face. But things begin to get too wild as Tiger eats all their sustenance, equipment, and, hilariously, Lily's shoes. Like Maurice Sendak's Max, Lily begins to miss home. Relief, hugs, and remorse are shared when Lily is found, and then both girl and tiger are lovingly tucked into bed. But Millward does not thereafter relegate Lily to a life of boredom or exacting behavior. Instead, she gives Lily depth, acknowledging that the girl may still want to visit the wild at times--and her parent may also. These sophisticated, energetic illustrations, full of spontaneity and made to look like a child's drawing on paper, are loaded with playfulness and appeal that perfectly match the wit and wisdom of the text. Ablaze with humor, insight, and love. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
