Diminutive Clovis prides himself on being "the fiercest, most roaringest tiger in the whole world." But he's also a pain in the neck, upsetting the other inhabitants of the jungle with his outbursts. Taylor (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) drives home the egregious nature of Clovis's transgressions by depicting the jungle as the very picture of calm and cooperation (except for Clovis, of course). At the water hole, crocodiles bask placidly next to flamingos, and monkeys rest atop elephants. A monkey comes up with the solution for Clovis's roaring: all the animals sneak up on the tiger cub while he's peacefully lapping up water and let loose their loudest sounds. The spread fills with prominent noses and noises—"Squawk"; "Snap"; "Trumpet"; "Oouu Oouu"—and Clovis reacts like a cat on a hot tin roof. The fair-is-fair resolution might backfire with the audience: kids may well enjoy the short-lived jungle cacophony more than the lesson. The ending illustration suggests that Clovis's pranks are far from over, and youngsters are sure to cheer this irreverent hero's naughtiness. Ages 6 mos.-5 yrs. (Mar.)
