Heart of a Tiger
Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrations by Jamichael Henterly
Dial Books
Fiction, CH Picture Book
Themes: Anthropomorphism, Felines
*****
Description
As Naming Day approaches, the little gray kitten Number Four must choose a name for himself, one which all the animals will agree is fair and honest. He is the runt of the litter, constantly teased for being small and shy, but he doesn't want to take a small, gray name for fear that it will always be so. With one week until the ceremony, Four screws up his courage and sets out into the jungle in search of a Bengal tiger, so he can learn from the great cat and earn a tiger's name.
Review
I have a small collection of kid's books purchased primarily for their beautiful illustrations. These watercolor pictures, done by Jamichael Henterly, are truly fantastic. Rich colors, fine details and hidden images make this book a treat every time I open it. It's images like these that make me wish that I could actually use the medium. The story itself is short and uplifting, though I admit I enjoy it more for the illustrations.