Stripes the Cat Tiger
Written by Jean Leroy
Illustrated by Bérengère Delaporte
Peter Pauper Press  10/01/2016
978-1-4413-2184-8
32 pages   Ages 4—8

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“Stripes is the biggest, strongest, fiercest hunter in the jungle . . . well, actually that’s what Stripes would like to be. Stripes is a small tabby cat. Young and rambunctious, he challenges his owner at every turn seriously testing his owner’s patience. He tears up the couch, he chases the dog, and he wreaks havoc everywhere. Finally, his owner has had enough. He takes Stripes to the zoo to see a real tiger. But both Stripes and his owner are in for a surprise, proving the importance of following your inner roar (or purr) . . . . however loud or soft it may be. ” [INSIDE JACKET]

Review
Stripes, a small tabby cat, is convinced he is a huge cat with a loud roar. His shadow has allowed him to believe he’s a big tiger, but his reflection bears the truth. A stubborn cat, Stripes likes to wreak havoc, as if a real tiger. No longer hunting mice, which are plentiful, Stripes prefers big game—the dog. When his owner hopes to hear a satisfied purr, Stripes gives him a determined roar. Tired of Stripes’ shenanigans, his owner takes him to the zoo to meet a real tiger. But Stripes is not scared. No, he is intrigued, as is the tiger.
The two felines conjure up a plan that will make both their dreams come true. But will Stripes’ owner allow this little scheme to occur?

Stripes the Cat Tiger is a fun story for anyone who would like to be someone other than who they are—so it’s for most of us. The illustrations are hilarious, especially the spread where Stripes attacked the dog, who is now holding the offending feline by the neck. Stripes keeps up his tiger roars, while the dog looks exhausted. From the scars and scratches the dog has sustained, his eyes are saying, “Please get rid of this thing.” All of the illustrations are child-like in their simple lines and carefree strokes. The cartoonish characters fit the story perfectly.
Young children will love Stripes the Cat Tiger Given the chance, Stripes could be a cute cat. He reminds me of the class little terror—the kid every other kid avoids because of his destructiveness or sheer meanness. Stripes fits the part. He has the scowl and the turned-down mouth of such a child. The twist is easy to see coming, but it is funny whether you saw it coming or not.
The tiger is a hoot sleeping in the lap of Stripes’ owner. Observant readers are paid handsomely for their time. Many of the spreads have unique details, which add to the humor of the story. Stripes’ owner loves to read the newspaper. On the outward page is a picture of Stripes in the zoo cage. “A New Tiger,” says the headline. A photograph of the tiger, hanging on his new parent’s wall has a little surprise in the bottom left corner.
Stripes the Cat Tiger is a fun story with unique characters children and parents will love. The take-away is simple: be and enjoy who you think you are.

STRIPES THE CAT TIGER. Text and illustrations copyright © 2016 by Jean Leroy. Illustrations copyright © 2016 by Bérengère Delaporte. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Peter Pauper Pres, White Plains, NY.

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Reprinted with permission from STRIPES THE CAT TIGER © 2016 by Jean Leroy, Peter Pauper Pres, Illustrations © 2016 by Bérengère Delaporte.

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Copyright © 2016 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews. All Rights Reserved

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Stripes the Cat Tiger
Written by Jean Leroy
Illustrated by Bérengère Delaporte
Peter Pauper Press
9781441321848