From Publishers Weekly
Traces of the beast are detected by the other forest animals as a magnificent young tiger makes his way through the jungle. The swipe of a majestic striped tail, the flash of hypnotic green eyes and the gleam of pristine white from the underside of massive paws flicker in the undergrowth. As the patterns and colors of the densely foliated habitat become familiar, so the parallels between creatures become obvious. One whiskered face studies another as the tiger stares past his own reflection to a whiskered fish beneath the surface. One pair of green eyes beholds a mirror image when the tiger comes upon a snake. As each creature's unique structure is made evident, a lesson about the tremendous value of the animals and plants that inhabit our world speaks softly through Baker's ( The Magic Fan ) rhythmic text. The luxuriant artwork blends the use of dark, saturant color and dry over dry painting to create stunning spreads. Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator's imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers. Ages 3-7. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-- As a tiger makes his way through the jungle, other animals flee at the sight of the "beast." When he peers into a river, he sees no creature but himself. Could he be the beast? He retraces his steps and points out the similar features he shares with the other animals he has encountered: the catfish's whiskers, the snake's green eyes, etc. The story ends with happy recognition of the many ways in which the animals are alike. Baker's deceptively simple story told in rhyme is matched with rich, brilliantly colored paintings. Heavy black outlines, dark backgrounds and patterns fill the pages reflecting the denseness of the jungle setting, and the well-designed spreads flow gracefully across the page. Children will enjoy the comparisons of the story as well as the beguiling illustrations. --Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
A friendly tiger is confused by jungle animals fleeing from a beast, until he discovers he is the beast! “Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator’s imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers.”--Publishers Weekly
Card catalog description
When a tiger suspects he is the beast the jungle animals are fleeing from, he returns to them and points out their similarities.
Who Is the Beast? ANNOTATION
When a tiger suspects he is the beast the jungle animals are fleeing from, he returns to them and points out their similarities.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
All the animals in the jungle are afraid of a mysterious, unknown beast. Who can it be? Keith Baker's vibrant bestseller conveys an important lesson about acceptance and understanding that young children--and their families--will be eager to share.
SYNOPSIS
Keith Baker's most popular title is now available as a board book.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Two intriguing books by Keith Baker invite toddlers to see the world differently. In Who Is the Beast?, the animals of a lush, multi-patterned jungle "see his stripes, yellow and black" as well as the beast's tail, strong legs and green eyes. All clues point to the tiger, but a surprise ending imparts the gentle lesson that we are all more alike than we are different. In Quack and Count, seven ducklings splash and play in different combinations that introduce basic addition: "7 ducklings, 5 plus 2/ Playing games of peekaboo." Collage art fills the jungle and pond life scenes with a riot of colors and textures. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot
A perplexed looking tiger peers out at readers from his hiding place in the jungle foliage. The pattern of the text reveals a portion of the tiger and the fear of all the animals who see him. "The beast, the beast! We must fly by!" is the refrain heard from a bird in the sky who spots tiger's tail swinging. A bumblebee sees his stripes, a frog sees his eyes, a snake takes note of his whiskers and the catfish sees his tracks. The rhythmic text and bold jungle setting really are captivating. When the tiger reaches the water, he looks and sees no beast just himself. He then backtracks and along the way sees the catfishes whiskers long and white, the snakes eyes "green and round," the frog whose legs are also "sure and strong," and of course the black and yellow stripes on the bee and a monkey with a tail that that also swings. It is a great lesson that we are all the beasts and that the parts of this magnificent tiger are reflected in parts of the other creatures who live in this dense jungle. For even more interest, Baker has hidden a snail in the scenes and they are not easy to find. A board book that will be enjoyed by children and adults; and one that makes the transition from picture to board both with ease. 2003 (orig. 1990), Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, Ages 6 mo. to 3.
Art & Photography
Book Info
