I'll Make You Well, Tiger, Said the Bear

I'm 42 and I love this book. (My children do too) The series of Little Tiger and Bear Stories deserve to be as much of an escapist classic as Winnie the Pooh, and I would say that they are from the same genre.The two main characters, Little Tiger and Little Bear, are friends who live together in a cottage set in the countryside. They have a simple life but are surrounded by lots of other friendly animals in a dispersed community. In this story Little Tiger becomes a bit poorly (or could possibly by malingering!) The other animals pitch in to carry him to the hospital, where Doctor Bullfrog looks at him. Inevitably Little Tiger is prescribed a little operation and some of his favourite food, and after a little banter with a fox who is also in for an operation (you'll be amused when you find out why), he goes back home.The storylines in all the books are simple and along with the animal characters will appeal to children from 3-7. For the adult reading the story there is a lot of fun in the timeless simplicity (but great originality) of the script. There are also some nice messages about relationships and values; there is more than a touch of fable in these stories. A great antidote to a sometimes harsh and techno-dominated world, and more so because of the very individual style of writing Janosch has. If you like this book also look out for one about a Treasure Hunt (5*), "A letter for Tiger" (5*), "Trip to Panama"(3*), "Hello Little Pig" (4*). You may also find the stories on Video, but check out the illustrative style first as I think there are a number of different illustrators associated with Janosch publications.

Janosch's book is a great thing especially when I read it to my two little twins. It always make them think about Panama and establishes an interest for Geography in them. Just buy it!

This is one of my favourite books. I'm so glad that it is available in English now.