  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2015 PreS-Gr 1—Jenkins and Gay describe the ups and downs of a friendship between two adorable animals. Simple and repetitive, the dialogue-heavy text rings true. Tiger and Badger argue over who gets to sit in a particular chair, who gets the last popsicle, and whether their stuffed monkey is really a monster, and their exchanges will elicit knowing smiles from parents. The two always manage to make up, however, even when their latest fight leaves both of them lying on the ground howling. The exuberant loose-lined watercolor, acrylic, and pencil illustrations are cartoonlike, with plenty of motion lines and dark clouds that appear over characters' heads to indicate anger. The visuals reinforce the mood in other ways, too; for instance, after Tiger and Badger's big fight, the two are depicted on different sides of the spread, staring accusingly at each other. Jenkins and Gay display an intuitive understanding of a child's mentality, from the chaotic look and feel of the outdoor landscape—haphazardly dotted with trees, grazing cows, chairs, and toys—to the range of emotions that Tiger and Badger experience. The pair go quickly from frustration to tears and tantrums, but they are just as fast to forgive each other. VERDICT While picture books centering on pals coping with disagreements are common, this gentle and quirky addition is sure to please. A lighthearted yet spot-on look at friendship from a child's point of view.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/15/2015 *Starred Review* Tiger and Badger are best friends, though sometimes . . . well, you could say they have tiffs. OK, knock-down, drag-out fights. The squabbling begins with a dispute over whether Badger is Tiger’s best friend or Tiger is Badger’s best friend. With a hug, they make up. Temporarily. Next, Tiger provokes Badger by sitting in her chair and eating her orange slices. Angry but resourceful, Badger lures him away and reclaims her seat. Later, Badger eats the only Popsicle. Tiger throws her stuffed animal into a tree. Tensions rise and fall, but, in the end, Tiger and Badger are best friends. Jenkins’ text captures the dynamics of children’s play (and their peer-to-peer relationships) with precision, humor, and style. Kids will enjoy watching the characters mouth off and act out with abandon, knowing that all will end well. Created with watercolor, pencil, and collage, the illustrations include a fanciful outdoor setting, improbably strewn with household goods (spatula, fishbowl, chest of drawers) and creatively patterned birds and flowers. But on every page, the eye is drawn first to the characters, who interact, overreact, and express intense emotions in direct, cartoon-style ways. Great for reading aloud, this picture book portrays childhood friendships in a witty, perceptive fashion. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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