Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 3+

Tiger lets loose his roar and finds joy in gorgeous book.

Peter Brown Picture Book 2013
Rate book

Parents say

age 2+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate book

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that when Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, his friends and neighbors are taken aback by his wild ways. As they come to accept his wildness -- and their own -- they welcome him back with open arms.

Community Reviews

Chayford
Chayford Adult
June 19, 2019
age 2+
Our two year old loves this book! Great message and the illustrations are gorgeous. Disregard the other review, there is definitely not any adult content in this book!

This title has:

Great messages
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Mr. Tiger's bored with being proper. He's unhappy in his neat suit and top hat, exchanging banalities with his primly dressed friends. One day, he gets a wild idea: He drops to all fours, happily oblivious to the neighbors' stares. He grows increasingly wild, leaping and roaring about, and finally sheds his clothes altogether. Mr. Tiger is gloriously happy, but his friends sternly advise him to take his wildness to a more appropriate setting: the wilderness. Mr. Tiger happily obliges...but after some time he grows lonely. He ventures back to the city and happily discovers things have changed for the better in his absence. Finally, Mr. Tiger feels free to be himself.

Is It Any Good?

MR. TIGER GOES WILD is a fun, beautiful romp with a message that hits home with young children, who are learning when they can be wild and when they need to be reasonably well behaved. Author and illustrator Peter Brown evokes classic midcentury-modern illustrations. He sets the vibrantly orange Mr. Tiger against rigid, sepia-tone backdrops in the city and a riot of color and action in the wilderness. It's a delight to see his face soften from seriously put-out to giddily happy.
Children will giggle at the stiff, buttoned-down grownups, who sternly reprimand the children for acting "like wild animals." Be prepared for some roaring and romping after reading this one! Brown's website features a downloadable activity kit with crafts and games.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about when it's OK to be wild. When can you roar? When should you rein in your wildness?
  • How does the artwork highlight how Mr. Tiger is different from the other animals?
  • Where do you go when you want to relax and be wild?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love picture books and animal stories

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon hands high fiving
    Friendship
    See all
  • Cartoon picture of an elephant
    Wild Animals
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate