The Tiger Who Came To Tea By Judith Kerr
Illustrated by Judith Kerr
32 Pages
Children’s Stories
Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books
Age range: 2.5+
The Tiger Who Came To Tea is a wonderful traditional children’s story. First published in 1968, it is written by Judith Kerr of the Mog stories fame.
It tells the story of Sophie and her Mummy who one afternoon get a knock at the door at tea time from a hungry tiger who wants to know if they wouldn’t mind him joining them. But of course a very hungry tiger can eat a lot of food!
This book is a regular favourite of my son’s and he delights at the tiger’s antics. We play a game as we read the story now and I will say ‘But the tiger didn’t eat all the sandwiches on the plate did he Logan?’ and he will grin and say spreading his arms ‘No! He ate all of them Mummy’ and this game goes on throughout the story. I think his particular favourite is when the tiger drinks all of the water in the taps.
As it was written in 1968, this story is slightly old fashioned. For example:
‘Sophie’s Mummy said, “I don’t know what to do. I’ve got nothing for Daddy’s supper, the tiger has eaten it all.”‘
Which I guess may bother some, it’s slightly 1950s or perhaps more accurately 1960s housewife. But, but I think that all goes over my son’s head and he just loves the story about a cheeky tiger who came to tea.
Judith Kerr is one talented lady and has also beautifully illustrated the book herself. They are fun and colourful.
Verdict:
A total classic, there is a reason why this book has sold by the millions. It is one every child should have on their bookshelf. A delightful fun filled story with fabulous illustrations.
Rating: 4/5
Buy the book on Amazon.
I don’t think I have actually read this book, eeeek terrible I know!! I often see it on bookshelves and in shops etc so I feel a bit bad now that I never got it for my kids. It sounds like a fab story, love the illustrations, so lovely 🙂
Gemma xx
Oh it’s a classic I’m not sure how old your children are, but I would definitely recommend it.
Aw we have this one – my son thinks it is so funny 🙂 Thanks for hosting the link up #KLTR
Thanks for linking up Rebecca 🙂 and yes my son thinks it’s great too #kltr
We love this book too Laura. It is indeed a classic and I think it’s ‘old fashioned’ language and ideals gives us more to talk about. Classic literature at its best. #lovetoread
Thank you Catie, yes you’re right the old fashioned parts of it mean you can talk about history and how things used to be 🙂 #kltr
We love this book in our house too! I know what you mean about the gender stereotypes, but kids don’t seem to mind. The illustration is stunning! xx
The illustrations are fab aren’t they? And yes I think you’re right I think the stereotypes do just go over their heads
We love this book and have seen the stage show. I normally buy this for new parents along with a couple of other classics. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love it. Thanks for hosting #KLTR xx
We debated the stage show last year but Aria was just a baby then and we weren’t sure how to manage the logistics of it. I have bought classic books for new parents too 🙂
Classic story, I loved reading this as a child! I think I probably wouldn’t be able to resist pointing out to T how it was a little old fashioned and sexist, but I guess that’s ok too! Will have to buy this for him when he’s a little older, although I think he might enjoy it now as he loves tigers! Xx