Book Review: 'A Tiger Called Thomas' by Charlotte Zolotow

✰✰✰✰ When a shy, young boy named Thomas moves into a new neighborhood, all he wants to do is sit on the stoop of his new house. Everyday he watches the other kids play, and he watches the neighbors. However, he doesn't talk to any of them. Thomas thinks they won't like him because he's the new kid on the block. But when his mother brings home a tiger costume for Thomas to wear on Halloween, everything changes. His neighbors and the other kids all talk to him, and Thomas discovers that it's not so bad being the new kid.

The Bottom Line: This is a tender, classic story about overcoming shyness and making new friends. Bluthenthal's artwork in acrylic, watercolor, ink, and collage perfectly illustrate the gentle text. Children who have recently moved or who are shy will easily identify with the main character. This would make a great storytime pick for the 1st or 2nd grade classroom.

Details: A Tiger Called Thomas written by Charlotte Zolotow & illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal. Hardcover picture book published by Hyperion Books for Children in 2003. 32 p. ISBN: 078680517-X