  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 08/01/2014 PreS-Gr 1—Miss Bell loves cats. She buys a lovely kitten that has "stripes like a tiger, a tail like a tiger, and a smile like a tiger. So she named him Tiger." The woman takes very good care of her pet, and he grows and grows and grows. His roar sounds like a tiger, and soon he takes over the whole house. But Miss Bell still dearly loves her pet. "Cats are cats," she says as she and Tiger play with string. "Cats like fish," she thinks, so she buys him his own fish tank. And one day, one of the fish grows and grows and grows (into a shark). "Fish are fish," she says. Gorbachev's familiar watercolor illustrations bring this "tall tale" to life as this dear old lady raises her beloved kitten. Resplendent in purple polka dots and with a head of fiery red hair, Miss Bell is a doting mother who sees with her heart rather than through her large spectacles. Even when Tiger clearly is more than a cat, she remains devoted to her pet. Youngsters will easily understand the joke and laugh at the astounded faces of Miss Bell's neighbors when she and Tiger go for a walk. But watch out! They may try to find that pet store! A splendid addition.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/15/2014 When Miss Bell acquires a kitten, she learns the joys and trials of pet ownership in a big way. Since her kitty has stripes, a tail, and a smile like a tiger, she names him Tiger. She feeds and plays with him. He grows and grows into his name (literally) and takes over the whole house, sometimes making a mess, just like any house cat. After all, as Miss Bell says, “Cats are cats.” The simple, repetitive text is smart—it establishes an appealing rhythm even as it lets beginning readers practice their skills. Ink-and-watercolor illustrations are homey and cozy. Sketchy lines capture not only Tiger’s satisfied expression but also the surprise of all those who see him on the street. They appear especially shocked when Miss Bell buys him some fish from the pet store. “Cats love fish!” And Tiger does love watching them, even the one that grows and grows . . . If the ending is a bit abrupt, it still presents an appealing picture of domestic harmony sure to warm the hearts of youngsters. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Loading...
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