How Tiger Got His Stripes

Written by Rob Cleveland · Illustrated by Baird Hoffmire

Tiger seeks wisdom but gains stripes instead.

3.8 Goodreads · 102 ratings

32 pages· 770 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud· 460L

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Bookroo's summary

In a Vietnamese folktale, the proud Tiger covets the wisdom of Man. Driven by jealousy, Tiger demands this elusive trait, only to be cleverly outwitted and tied to a tree. As he struggles to break free, his golden coat is forever marked with stripes. This tale of cunning and consequence explores themes of courage and resourcefulness, revealing the origins of the tiger's iconic appearance. Will Tiger learn the true value of wisdom, or remain ensnared by his pride?

From the publisher

Winner of the Storytelling World Honor Award This humorous folktale from Vietnam, retold by Rob Cleveland, tells the story of Tiger, who was once the proudest animal of the jungle. He was even prouder than the peacock. Of course what Tiger was most proud of was his beautiful golden coat. But unfortunately for Tiger, he did not have wisdom and was jealous that only Man seemed to possess it. So Tiger approached Man and demanded that he give Tiger his wisdom. Man then uses his wisdom to outsmart Tiger when he finds himself tied to a tree with a rope. While trying to escape, Tiger burns his coat on the rope, leaving permanent stripes on his beautiful golden coat. This wisdom story will teach readers the importance of courage, caring and resourcefulness. This award-winning story is a “pourquoi” tale from Vietnam. Pourquoi tales are origin stories that explain why an animal or plant looks or acts the way it does. This is one of many stories told across Asia that deal with the origin of the tiger’s stripes. Rob Cleveland is storyteller-in-residence at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia and is the author of several Story Cove books.

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