Picture book creator and artist Moira Court shares her top five favourite children’s books featuring big cats
Lion, is that you? by Moira Court is a gorgeous multi-layered new picture book that plays on myths about big cats stalking through the Australian bush. We asked Moira to share with us five books featuring big cats that she loved reading to her daughter. We think you’ll agree her choices, would make wonderful, purring bookshelf buddies sitting right alongside Moira’s own masterpieces.
A Lion in Paris, Beatrice Alemagna (2006)
This is a book about being a stranger in a new city. A young, bored lion leaves the savannah to go to Paris to find excitement and opportunity, but it doesn’t turn out to be quite what he expected. What I love about this book are the mixed media illustrations. The lion and Parisian landmarks are made using drawing and collage and are simply delicious. I also like that the book is bound at the top rather than the side. Wish I’d thought of that!
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Judith Kerr (1968)
This is a charming story about a little girl called Sophie, her mum and a tiger who invites himself in to their home for tea. The tiger then proceeds to devour all the food and drink in the house, even draining every last drop of water from the taps. And then he leaves never to be seen again. I like the old-fashioned setting, but what I enjoy most about this book is that it is just plain odd!
The Tiger Who Lost His Stripes, written by Anthony Paul and illustrated by Michael Foreman (1980)
A tale about the dignified and stately General MacTiger who wakes up one morning to find his dazzling black stripes have been stolen! And it turns out getting them back is no easy task. I find this book laugh out loud funny and just love the language used, such as ‘tigerishness’, ‘striplessness’ and ‘splendid’.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, written by C.S. Lewis and illustrated by by Pauline Baynes (1950)
A magical wardrobe, a snowy land where it is always winter but never Christmas, talking animals, mystical creatures, an evil witch and a kind and mighty lion called Aslan. What more could you want!? A wonderfully magical adventure with beautiful illustrations.
The House at Pooh Corner, written by A.A. Milne and illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard (1928)
This is the second book of stories about Winnie the Pooh and friends, and we are introduced to the excessively energetic, malt extract-eating tiger, Tigger. I just adore these funny, heart-warming stories full of silly verses and lovely words about an endearing group of animal friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. I like Tigger as he is energetic and happy and means well, (although I’d probably get really annoyed with him if he was my friend!)
Moira Court’s book Lion, is that you? Is available in all good bookstores and online.
