![]() ![]() The tiger tries to dispute these, until he admits to the devoured-explorer accusation. The important exception is a double-page series of vignettes that posit readers’ assertions about real tiger behavior (“He’ll sneak up on you!”). After this, most of the text is Tiger’s monologue to the readers. Do you know who he is?” After affirming readers’ indisputable guess, the text continues, mentioning that the tiger is still asleep but will soon awaken. He’s big and stripy, with a mouth full of sharp, white teeth. The text, and bold, white lettering, addresses readers: “Hey! Look who we’ve spotted. ![]() At the beginning, a double-page spread of lush, colorful jungle flora-and a few small fauna-backgrounds the tiger, whose relaxed form is draped over a tree limb as he dozes. The tiger is reminiscent of Hanna-Barbera’s funny, anthropomorphic felines. You can read more about Antonia Lloyd-Jones in this fascinating interview with Caroline Alberoni, in which she mentions that ‘Polish illustrated children’s books represent an unexploited goldmine’.After admitting to readers that he recently bit, then swallowed whole, an apparently human explorer, a tiger insists that he’s really a great guy. In 2018, she received the Transatlantyk Award for the most outstanding promoter of Polish literature abroad. She has translated works across genres, including contemporary novels, reportages, crime fiction, poetry and children’s books. She graduated from The Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań, Poland, where she lives and works today.Īntonia Lloyd-Jones is a literary translator from Polish to English. He lives in Warsaw with his wife, daughter and an elderly cat.Įmilia Dziubak is an award-winning Polish illustrator. His work has garnered him many awards four of his titles are included in the prestigious White Ravens lists. Przemystaw Wechterowicz has published more than 27 titles, including children’s picture books, poems and plays, which have been translated into multiple languages. The Secret Life of a Tiger by Przemystaw Wechterowicz, illustrated by Emilia Dziubak, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones (words and pictures, Quarto Group, 2018) So, is Tiger telling tall stories or the truth? Is he a trouble-maker or a big softie with rather sharp teeth? The Secret Life of a Tiger is a very entertaining, gorgeously illustrated read. Readers may also enjoy the loud and very long ‘Aaaaagrrrrrrrhhhhh’ Tiger yawn and his even louder ‘Roaar!’ I know I do, especially when I read this book aloud! There’s no escaping this is a story about a ‘TIGER’ in the very large caps used to introduce him on the first page. ![]() I also like the way the publisher has used different font sizes and cases to emphasise specific moments in the text. Tiger is obviously the star of the show, but I also particularly like the orangutans with their elaborate updos and the dozy cobra who is tied in knots. The cartoon-like animals hold real appeal: they are alive with movement, expression and humour. Emilia Dziubak’s illustrations are glorious, depicting the dense jungle in greens of every possible hue, enlivened by bursts of colour. There is much to enjoy in this picture book import from Poland – not just the text. The creatures Tiger interacts with don’t look altogether smitten by him, especially those poor ants. Is he actually out to cause trouble, I wondered? I think the language in these scenes holds some clues (‘I sneak’, ‘I pounce’, ‘I leap’), as do the illustrations. A flick of a tail is surely more destructive than constructive, after all! I also questioned Tiger’s motivation. Or is he? It was at the anthill scene that I started to question the accuracy of Tiger’s stories. Yes, he’s a friendly, fun-loving feline with a penchant for hairdressing and other unusual (for-a-tiger) activities! Tiger tells us about the unbelievably crazy things he engages in, like giving orangutans haircuts, hopping into a nest to hatch some parrot eggs and hypnotising some ants before building them an anthill with a flick of his tail. At nightfall, however, a series of surprises is in store. Other creatures in the jungle tell a different story: Tiger is ‘wild’ and ‘dangerous’ and known to bite. Tiger is a cheerful, chatty protagonist who clearly enjoys talking about his life, which mainly involves eating, sleeping and socialising during the day. It looked like so much fun that I ordered it then and there. This title appeared on a fabulous list of recently translated books posted during World Kid Lit Month. In the daytime, Tiger likes to eat, sleep, socialise and snack, but once the sun goes down his unusual and entertaining secret life unfolds. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |