Hello, My Name Is Tiger

In an emotionally observant story about adapting to new experiences, Goldfinger (My Dog Lyle) introduces Toby, who “liked being a cat more than a boy.” Dressed in an orange, head-to-toe (or ears-to-tail, perhaps) cat outfit, Toby introduces himself to his classmates as Tiger and, like many a cat, proceeds to do his own thing—scratching in the “litter box” (aka sandbox) at recess and “scamper[ing] away” from students’ efforts to befriend him. After getting stuck in a tree, Toby/Tiger learns that he has more in common with some of his classmates than he thought, connecting with a pair of children who have their own animal alter egos. Loose crayon lines and washes of paint create a welcoming and nonthreatening school environment for the children to explore, while contributing a quiet visual humor that respects Toby’s emotional life and catlike independent streak. Ages 4–8. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties. (July)