Sometimes, a Tiger

by Z.B. Asterplume

A moving picture book by Z.B. Asterplume about imagination and kindness.

Dario’s day starts like many There’s not much to eat. But today, the pantry has a surprise as a tiger emerges and accompanies Dario through his day.

A tiger ? Dario’s friends can’t believe their eyes! Soon, they too see the wonders around them,
as they share their day with creatures large and small. Is it imagination? Whatever it is, the
result is joy and kindness.

In a world where imagination and generosity can be as scarce as food in some pantries, here is
a reminder for readers of all ages that kindness nourishes all of us.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poverty, Animals, School, Friendship, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Jared White · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me two times reading this to realize what it was about (food insecurity) and, even after reading it a third time, I'm not really sure I "get" it. But I do really love the illustrations! I love how imaginative and whimsical some of them are. I particularly love the one that shows the class with their various animals and the scene of the fountain with all of the people and their animals... but, yeah, only 3 stars because it's a little confusing.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: Dario wakes to another morning without a good breakfast but uses his imagination to bring a tiger to school. Soon, other students use their imagination to create something exciting and different.

Dario walks home in the rain with his friends, parting ways when it is his home. They return later in the day with food for his family's pantry.

Comments: This would be an excellent book to share before a school can/food drive.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It begins as a not so shiny day. There's little food for Dario to eat. But he notices something else inside the pantry...a tiger. He takes the tiger with him to school, and at first, it is a distraction. But soon the tiger helps everyone see ...possibilities.

Might be able to use this as we talk about being a complex thinker and problem solver...seeing possibilities, brainstorming, thinking outside the box.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even on the dreariest day, our imagination can brighten things up. Calvin discovers this on a grey morning, when he finds a tiger in his pantry. The tiger goes along with him as he goes through his day, inspiring others throughout both his school and his town.

This debut picture book features stand out illustrations and is highly recommended for purchase in elementary school and public libraries.

[Melissa Stiveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined to Become a Classic!

This is a lovely and empathetic story about Dario, who doesn’t have much to eat, but is quite rich with imagination. Through his story, he shows us that it only takes one person to help change the day for others who may be having a “not-so-shiny day.”

With artful language and amazing illustrations, this book promotes conversations of hunger, imagination, and kindness. Absolutely delightful.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's not enough of a symbiotic relationship between why Dario sees a tiger and brings it to school and see's "what could be instead of just what was" and his food insecurity to truly be impactful for the intended audience. Separately both are important focal points for children's books but it is not literal enough.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this book!! Dario's "not-so-shiny" day turns out soooo much differently than he expected. When he discovers a tiger in the pantry, the surprises and fun multiply for everyone. Gradually on each page, the joy of Dario's discovery leaks out to everyone around him. Creatures are popping out everywhere! (A lesson in kindness as well.)

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in immediately to Dario's fantastical adventure and the sensitive handling of his food insecurity. Add the underlying message of strength and community, and oh my--the world dearly needs Z.B. Asterplume's picture book.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I could have gotten behind the topic of food insecurity. I also could have gotten behind the concept of joy and imagination and seeing the sunshine on a cloudy day. But merging them together, and using a tiger....eh....I just didn't get it.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations, and a much needed topic for discussion, yet I think it really missed the mark. If I found it hard to piece together the topic of hunger and food insecurity, I'm pretty sure the kids won't understand it at all (without a lot of explanation).

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everywhere Dario went, folks saw what could be instead of just what was.” This child reminds us that the imagination is our superpower, and the world is full of possibilities. Fanciful illustrations transform even the emptiest of mental pantries into a treasure trove of plenty.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this lovely book by a Westminster, Colorado author. I actually don't like the jacket because the cover illustration makes Dario look much younger and makes the book less usable with older readers. I'm thinking about other books with which to pair it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anticipating another dull day, our protagonist finds a tiger in the pantry who follows him to school. No-one can see it to begin with, but by the afternoon, most consider possibilities and see things differently.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes to more books inclusive of children experiencing food scarcity.
Imaginative and surprising - a book that can hold joy and need in one hand.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this delightful book about possibilities

i read a digital advance readers copy courtesy of the publisher

[CCPL Buzz]

Pair with Food for the Future (sustainable farming) RPD

[Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of so many struggles maybe a Simple story can open the eyes of children and others to be a little more understanding and accepting.

[Kaz Windness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite, impactful, it left me deliciously hungry for more Asterplume books.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

How this was about food insecurity is beyond me.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of understated picture book that I hope families at our library will find. Even with its heavy undertone of food insecurity, there are so many charming details in the illustrations.

[Kelly]

Is there a plot here? It's supposed to be about food insecurity, but instead it's about seeing animals all around you? I'm not really sure what's going on.

[skcocnaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations: 4.5
Story: 2.5

[Holly Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too confusing. Too many messages. "Everywhere Dairo went, folks saw what could be instead of just what was." And it's about food insecurity. Hmm...

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enchanting story. Hunger and imagination, and a tiger. Delightful illustrations.

[Kami Mauldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and engaging! Would recommend for families with little readers who like animals!

[Melissa Frenyea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with excellent illustrations.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boy changes his day and his friends by imagining a tiger with him and teaching others to imagine animals too. elementary and up

[Y.Poston]

beautiful story about what sparks imagination

[Peejay(Pamela) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations in a mishmash of a story.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully illustrated. It was delightful and inspiring. A gorgeous read aloud.