TYGER! TYGER!

The development of a Buddhist sanctuary for tigers threatened by poachers in Thailand is presented as a graphically illustrated fable. The message is strong and supported by haunting images, including one of a tiger shot between the eyes. An afterword describes the actual sanctuary, the Buddhist monastery of Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno, now a tourist destination visited twice by the Australian author. The gentle tone of the fable is belied by the strong words: explosion, carnage, extinction. In the realistic illustrations—double-page spreads done in pastels on textured paper—the eyes of the tigers sometimes stare directly at the reader, supporting the author’s contention that they have “begged for refuge.” These images are sure to linger in the minds of young readers. Teachers hoping to use the book as a springboard for class discussion of conservation issues, or as part of an area study, should be warned that some readers may be deeply disturbed. (Picture book. 8-12)