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Summary
Summary
A reassuring picture book for back-to-school jitters!
Toby likes being a cat more than he likes being a boy. So when it's time to go to school, he becomes a timid kitten. But when Toby finally gathers the courage to join in with the other kids, he finds out that everything is more fun with friends.
From talented author and illustrator Jennifer P. Goldfinger comes this adorable picture book about just being yourself.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-The transition from home to school can be intimidating for any child. Young Toby, who has an animal alter ego, is a playful kitten at home and turns into an apprehensive tiger when he attends his first day of school. Knowing no one, Toby the Tiger shies away from the other children during recess, preferring to play by himself, and eventually climbs up a tree to observe the others playing. There he befriends Pete the Monkey, who is experiencing the same anxieties that Toby feels. They climb down out of the tree and start to play together. As they form a bond, they notice Lottie, and she joins in their activities. Together, they play and learn that although pretending to be animals is fun, so is being themselves. With simple, colorful chalklike drawings, this picture book is sensitive to how overwhelming new environments and situations can be to young children and delivers its message of adapting in an unassuming manner. VERDICT A good selection for children apprehensive about going to school and making new friends. Perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Vivian Ho, Port Washington Public Library, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Toby loves pretending to be a cat; why should he have to shed his costume when he starts school? Once there, "Tiger" climbs a tree ("That's what cats do") but gets stuck. Emotionally astute mixed-media art fits this relatable story about a sensitive kid whose anxieties are lessened by a like-minded new friend--Pete, in a monkey suit--who helps him to safety. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
At home, Toby wears a tiger costume and pretends to be a cat, and he's not going to change his feline ways just because school is starting. Although Toby is intrigued by the games the other children play, he keeps his cat guise and keeps to himself. He eventually connects with Pete, a boy in a monkey costume, and the two play together at cat and monkey activities, eventually expanding their circle to include Lottie, dressed up as a bird, who utters a chirp and joins in the fun. Toby's initial solitude is clearly shown in the childlike mixed-media illustrations. His facial expressions and body language are especially accentuated by his bright-orange costume, which pops against the softly colored backgrounds. This succeeds well in simply telling the story of a child who feels more comfortable as something else while also touching on the issues of fitting in, making friends, and being oneself. Toby's behavior and eventual acceptance will resonate with many readers.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2016 Booklist