A Tiger Called Tomás

Written by Charlotte Zolotow · Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens

A shy boy's Halloween costume leads to unexpected discoveries in his new neighborhood.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 476 ratings

40 pages· 1,083 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Tomás is shy and uncertain about making friends in his new neighborhood. His mamá reassures him, but he remains hesitant. On Halloween night, a tiger costume offers him a chance to explore without revealing his identity. As he ventures out, Tomás learns that his disguise might not be as concealing as he hoped. Will this night of trick-or-treating help him find the courage to connect with others? Discover how a simple costume can lead to unexpected friendships and self-discovery in this charming tale filled with Spanish phrases and Halloween magic.

From the publisher

A new edition of the timeless classic by celebrated children’s author, Charlotte Zolotow, featuring Spanish words and phrases!

When Tomás and his family moved to a new house on a new street, he took it into his head that the new people might not like him.

“Of course they’d like you,” his mamá said. “Why wouldn’t they? ¿Por qué no? “

But Tomás didn’t answer.

Tomás’s Mom encourages him to go out and meet the kids in his neighborhood, but Tomas is too shy. Instead, he sits on his stoop, watching the world go by. But on the night of Halloween, opportunity arrives in the form of a tiger costume, complete with a mask that hides his identity. He can go trick-or-treating without anyone knowing it’s him. But Tomás will soon discover his costume doesn’t hide him quite as well as he thinks…

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