Little Lost Tiger

K-Gr 2--A Siberian tigress and her cub stalk across the dark, cold wilderness one night in search of food. Their single-minded task is interrupted by a sudden, roaring forest fire, which scatters all the forest animals and separates the tigress from her cub. By dawn the next day, the fire has died off and "across the icy stillness a distant cry can be heard." Happily, the mother and cub are reunited. The descriptive but simple story line is realistically illustrated in watercolor, pastel, and gouache in a dark, muted palette that reflects the frozen, nocturnal setting. The fire and the tigers' brownish-orange fur and glistening yellow eyes offer some welcome color counterpoint to the stark black, white, and bluish-gray of the background. The jacket is a stunning head shot of the tigress and her cub, uncluttered by type (title and author/illustrator information is on the back jacket). The author appends information about the Siberian tiger's endangered status and its characteristics, putting the narrative in context. The straightforward but taut arc of the story and lifelike paintings of a fascinating wild animal combine to make this a worthwhile choice for a group read-aloud.--Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT