Auntie Tiger Book

Rumble, rumble.

Auntie Tiger's tummy is growling, and she is on the prowl for something very, very tasty.

Big Sister looks delicious.

Little Sister looks yummy, too.

But Auntie Tiger will have to be very tricky, because even though the sisters quarrel, they will do anything to protect each other.

Award-winning author Laurence Yep's deft adaptation of a Chinese tiger version of "Little Red Riding Hood" has been illustrated in vibrant colors that pop off the page by newcomer Insu Lee. Auntie Tiger is sure to make you laugh—and make you hungry!

Children's Literature

In this version of a Chinese folktale with echoes of Little Red Riding Hood, a widow lives in the woods with her two daughters. The sisters argue constantly, since although Little Sister is sweet, she is also lazy. Big Sister ends up doing all the work and scolding her sister. One hot day, their mother must go to town for food. Because there is a Tiger on the prowl, she warns them not to open the door. Soon Tiger, disguised as an old woman, knocks and claims to be their Auntie. At first they do not fall for his tricks, but when he promises "a special treat," foolish Little Sister lets him in despite Big Sister's suspicions. Little Sister is soon swallowed. Big Sister cleverly outwits Tiger, however, and Little Sister has learned her lesson. Their mother is pleasantly surprised at their harmony when she returns. Lee sets the intensely colored visual tale in a lush forest of oddly variegated plants surrounding a rustic cabin. Mother and daughters are a bit cartoon-y, but appropriate for dealing with the more comic than frightening tiger whose grinning face fills the front of the jacket. The overall effect is humorous and not particularly Chinese in appearance. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz