When a Tiger Comes to Dinner

A mouse is eager to please in this goofy tale by Olien (Right Now). With a very large cat coming for dinner, a mouse consults How to Impress a Tiger and seeks to follow the book’s instructions on how to welcome the feline. The stakes are high—tigers “can be very scary if you don’t do everything just right”—and Mouse becomes visibly uncertain as the expert offers tips. Nevertheless, the earnest host prepares accordingly as it learns that while tigers love peanut butter sandwiches, hats, and Go Fish, they enjoy neither party hats nor checkers. The book even teaches the host how to greet a tiger (“Rooooaaaarrrr!”). At last the guest arrives. But when Mouse opens the door with a fearsome, crazy-eyed growl, the less-than-welcoming effect results in a tearful tiger. Turns out tigers aren’t so different from mice. Featuring thick black lines and flat, bold colors, Olien’s cartoon illustrations create a playfully realistic portrait of pre-dinner-party jitters, making the event’s eventual success all the more winning. Ages 4–8. [em](Apr.) [/em]