Tiger and Turtle

by James Rumford

TOUCHES OF AESOP AND KIPLING mark James Rumford’s fable about two unlikely rivals.
Tiger says he saw the flower first, but Turtle disagrees. Through pages of glorious color, Tiger and Turtle continue their argument. They’re worthy opponents . . . as a tiger’s claws could not harm a turtle’s shell any more than a turtle’s feet could outrun a tiger’s. The battle intensifies, as does the artist’s from golds to fiery reds to luxuriant blues, as the two resolve their conflict and become friends.  Tiger and Turtle is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Folklore

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

I have been writing, illustrating, and designing children's books since 1996. I am on the verge of self-publishing through books that are printed on demand and via the internet. For more on my children's books, see my website: http://www.jamesrumford.com. I also have a blog about writing and illustrating children's books at http://www.calabashcat.blogspot.com. Besides commercially published books, I run a private letter press company and do limited-edition, handmade books. See more at http://www.manoapress.com. I am interested in foreign languages and in poetry. See my blog "Horace et al." at http://www.jasrumford.blogspot.com. I live in Honolulu with my wife.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger and Turtle exist in a state of neutrality with one another in this original tale from author/illustrator James Rumford, aware that they cannot hurt or compete with one another. Then comes the day that a beautiful flower drifts down from the sky right beside them, just as their paths have crossed, and suddenly they come into conflict, each wanting the bloom. It is only after a pitched battle, and some back and forth, that they arrive in the field from which the flower came, realizing how silly it was to fight over something, when there is plenty of it...

Tiger and Turtle is the tenth book I have read from Rumford, whose work always impresses me, both aesthetically and textually. This was no different, with a simple but thoughtful tale emphasizing the foolishness of the quarrel between the two titular characters, and bright, bold illustrations that capture the eye. I was charmed by Rumford's brief note at the beginning, imagining how he might have discovered this story, if it were a traditional one, and I loved the use of color and texture in the paintings. Recommended to youngsters who enjoy folk and fairy-tales, and stories in that vein.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of folk stories. I picked it up for my 4 year old who has a stuffed tortoise and tiger that are his favorite stuffed animals. It’s bit violent for a modern children’s book with the Tiger and Turtle characters both physically attacking each other so I suspect that wouldn’t make it a good fit for a lot of parents. Personally I found their battle hilarious, but I was raised watching Ninja Turtles so what do I know? The dialogue between Tiger and Turtle made me laugh as their fight escalates and the silly physical comedy of a Turtle chomping onto Tiger’s back as he runs faster and faster to shake her loose. Most books of this theme tend to go for “and then the characters learn to share and everything is better for everybody”. I like that this book ends with them learning that they were fighting over nothing overtly special to begin with. I think a lot of parents could agree that’s a good lesson for kids to learn that there few things are worth fighting over.

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must have read about five million picture books about "people fighting over things then learning to share," and this one is not a stand-out. I also didn't love the art. Most of the book is really just bright orange backgrounds; otherwise, basically just a tiger and a turtle on every page. Not much for children to look at while being read to.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a huge fan of the illustration style, but it is bold and colorful. This is a story about two animals who launch into an ever-escalating quarrel over a petty thing, before coming to the conclusion that their fight is silly.

[Marissa Lynh · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a 'message' in here...I didn't get it, but my daughter enjoyed the complex dynamics between the two creatures.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's silly to fight over things. Friends are much more important.

[Zoë]

excellent fable

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the same forest lived a tiger and a turtle. They both had learned long ago there was no use in arguing or fighting because they couldn't really hurt each other. A tiger's claws could not harm a turtle's shell any more than a turtle's feet could not outrun a tiger's. So they stayed out of each other's way until the tiniest flower floated down out of the sky. Tiger and Turtle began to use their unique abilities to try and snatch up the tasty morsel. Tiger then swiped his paw at the flower sending it aloft once again. They both tried to jump and catch the flower but the flower went until it was caught in the breeze once again and sailed even higher. Turtle was so enraged she bit Tiger's paw. Filled with pain Tiger tried to rip Turtle apart, but she hid inside her shell. Tiger then swiped Turtle into the air. Up Turtle went past the flower, and ended up falling into the pond. As it happened, Tiger went to take a swim in the very same pond where Turtle rested at the bottom. Turtle then chomped down on Tiger's back. Tiger went flying out of the water and began running trying to shake Turtle off his back, but Turtle managed to still get in a nip or two. They went faster and faster until off the cliff they went. Fortunately, they landed in a pillowy field of some rather familiar spring flowers. Turtle and Tiger realized there were thousands of the very same flower. They both admitted how silly they were and Tiger gave Turtle a ride back to the pond. With that, Tiger and Turtle became best of friends. Although Tiger and Turtle began fighting over a flower, it was that flower that ended up creating a very unique friendship.

[Ying Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Literature
Copyright: 2010

A tiger and a turtle, they live in the same forest, but they stay out of each other's way. Not until one day both of them saw a flower floating down from the sky did they begin to argue and fight. They argued for the ownership of the flower, and they fought to possess the flower. As their argument and fights went on, they hated each other more. Yet, a fight made them fall down a cliff, leading them to find a field of flowers. This surprising found made them become friends. A retold folktale from Afghanistan, this is a good book for teachers to read aloud to primary grades students. The art work and pictures in the book are as elegant as the inner fabric of a vintage jewelry box.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: traditional literature
Copyright: 2010


It's a story about a turtle and a tiger are fighting for a flower. The turtle bites the tiger, the tiger rips the turtle. In the end, they fall from a cliff and landed on a flourishing garden with thousands of flowers there. They do no have to fight anymore since there are a lot of flowers they can enjoy as much as they like. This book is a retold folktale from Afghanistan which consists of several elements with different cultures. It's good for teaching diverse cultures since it has very special arts and decorations. Also, teachers could take a chance to teach children about violence issue.

[Jess Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger and Turtle become unlikely friends in this story of two animals (previously enemies) who come to realize their silliness over a fight for a lovely flower. I love the little comments from the narrator/author: "happily for them and for our story" or when Turtle bites onto Tiger's back "Turtle by now had clearly bitten off more than she could chew." Short enough that it will keep the younger set's attention, but interesting enough to hold onto the older crew as well. Might also want to consider turning it into a tell-aloud. Cute book!

[Julie Graham 47150 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this charming story from a friend. It is a folktale from Afghanistan about a tiger and a turtle who unneccessarily fight over a flower and end up being the best of friends. The authentic artwork and patterns are gorgeous. I especially love how the author depicted the scene of the animals underwater. The artwork and the author's story of how he discovered this tale also give readers a peek into Afghan culture. This book will make a great addition to my folktale collection in my classroom library.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiger and Turtle have reached a truce and exist peacefully. Until one day a flower flutters down from the sky. Turtle wants to eat it as it is a tasty morsel. Tiger, on the other hand, keeps her away from it. Tiger takes a swipe at Turtle sending her up in the air and she lands in her favorite pond. Once she's gone, Tiger decides to take a nice cool lap in the same pond. Turtle climbs on his back and bites his neck sending Tiger sprinting through a field of, you guessed it, flowers. Finally the two realize how ridiculous they are being and become friends.

[Tobinsfavorite · Rating 4 out of 5]

("Search: Tiger and Turtle" turned up this book and only this book, but then it asked, "Did you mean Grant and Lee?" What?)

This book is beautiful. The story is good and all, but the pictures are divine: just a few colors and big, bold, black lines that say everything. I especially like the pictures of underwater and tiger running very fast with turtle on his back.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and brilliant and funny and with a fabulous message. My favorite spread is of Tiger happily strolling through the water, blissfully unaware of Turtle moving in to attack. I laughed out loud at this bit. The ending is fabulous and perfect and promotes peace and kindness. This should be required reading!

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read that my son enjoyed though I have to say I was more pleased with the pictures and the actual story. The tiger and the turtle get into a fight over a flower and then when they find a whole bunch of flowers they become friends after a lifetime of ignoring each other. it's not overly realistic but it's cute.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This simple story from Afghanistan makes a nice addition to classroom and library folk tale collections. Authentic artwork and patterns enhance the work and the author's back story of how he discovered this tale give readers a peek into Afghan culture.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book has the feel of an ancient folk tale as it tells the story of a turtle and a tiger who have always been tolerant of each other until the day a lovely flower floats through the air and lands at their feet. They quickly move from tolerance to anger as the situation worsens.

[Sunnyvale Librarian]

"Once upon a nevertime, there lived in the same forest a tiger and a turtle." And so begins the tale of two animals who first view one another with indifference and then, as a result of a dispute over a flower, become enemies. This is a story simply told with a strong message about friendship.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated old folktale. I loved the details shared by the author as well. I tried it out with a special education class and we got some wonderful interaction and language use with these students. I can't wait to get a copy for our library!

[Jenna]

Elegant illustrations, surprisingly funny text. Would be great for reading aloud.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger and turtle basically ignore each other until they both want the same flower.

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple folk tale make all the richer by the author's note at the beginning.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turtle and Tiger learn to be friends.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que Cute Cuento - Rating
This is a story about friendship and sharing.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations and good friendship story.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely folktale-type story with beautiful Indian/Pakistani patterned backgrounds.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the color palette used in this book and how integral it was to the mood of each page. The art is just amazing!

[Aleece · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about a turtle and a tiger that fight over a flower, however, it was a little violent I felt for a children's story but in the end they made up and became friends.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book pretty much reads like a modern-day fable, but it doesn't entirely work -- the story is a bit too extreme and silly.

Still, the artwork is lovely, especially the depictions of water.