Can We Save the Tiger?
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 01:42PM 
Most of us, if asked, would want to save the tiger. Just look at the one on the cover of Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins; illustrated by Vicky White (Candlewick, 2011): it's beautiful. But the real beauty of Can We Save the Tiger? (apart from White's illustrations, which I'll talk about later) is that it makes us want to save things like partula snails, and vultures. As Jenkins writes, "Ugly things can be endangered, too."
The text of Can We Save the Tiger? is, like its title, both conversational and direct. Jenkins doesn't pull any punches: we won't ever see a live dodo, kids. "And then there are all those other species that are still around, but just barely." Case studies of tigers, snails, and vultures explain the various reasons why; they're accompanied by examples of other animals that are threatened for similar reasons (because they're running out of room, affected by predators introduced by people, or otherwise accidentally endangered by human actions or disease). There are hopeful notes ("Sometimes, though, we have managed to do the right thing in time"), but no easy answers.
Jenkins's text is perfectly paired with White's evocative and beautiful illustrations, done predominantly in pencil with touches of oil paint. White earned a master's degree in natural history illustration from the Royal College of Art, in London; her animals (and one orchid, on the Index page) are precisely rendered, standing out against an expansive backdrop of creamy, oversized pages. Often they seem to look right at you, as does the tiger on the cover.
Can We Save the Tiger? is a gorgeous book, but above all, I appreciate its respect for the intelligence and concern of its young readers and listeners. Who just might be inspired to find out how they can help save the vulture.
[I don't think Can We Save the Tiger? is eligible for the Caldecott (White would have to be an American citizen or resident), but I was happy to see it listed among the Best Books of 2011 in the Horn Book Fanfare. Do you have any Caldecott Hopefuls from among last year's nonfiction picture books?]
Reader Comments (15)
I remember your talking about this book when you first read it, too! I love the tiger's paws on the cover! And his eyes!
Excellent review. It sounds like Can We Save the Tiger is a beautiful and compelling book. I remember being in second grade or so and loving books about nature and science--this would have been right up my alley.
Oh thank you for explaining why none of this team's previous books has made it to the Caldecott podium! I was too lazy to look up the nationality of the authors :)
I have high hopes for Me... Jane and Balloons Over Broadway. They're both (basically) nonfiction, although they didn't qualify as nonfiction for the Cybils.
I'm not sure which I like better: the subject, which is near and dear to my heart, or the beautiful way it's addressed. Perhaps other awards will shine some light on it.
I have to to see this book, but it looks lovely. Thanks for the review. :)
Thank you a delightful review on a gem of a book with a subject about which I am passionate! I think I shall have to buy this book!
Thanks for this review. I will definitely check it out...I've always been interested in endangered species, having worked in the environmental field for many years before becoming a children's illustrator.
Thanks for commenting, everyone! Annie, you're right on target: my own second-grader loves this book. And :paula, I love Me...Jane and Balloons Over Broadway (Melissa Sweet is a long-time favorite over here), too. Fingers crossed!
Candlewick always publishes such beautiful books. I can't wait to get my hands on this one!
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Lovely reviews. I have been introduced to your blog through the Comment Challenge. I appreciate your focus on art. Captivating tiger illustration. I'm anxious to read this book.
This book sounds great. I'll be adding it to my library and sharing it with my kids.
Terrific post/review. I'm glad I stopped by as part of the comment challenge. I'll be back. Feel free to visit my blog if you wish: http://billkirkwrites.blogspot.com
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review.
I'm going to look for this book, Anamaria. I know that extinction is the rule, not the exception, but when a sentient species like the human being causes endangerment/extinction through thoughtlessness of the consequences, it's easy to feel helpless and hard to figure out how to do something about it. I appreciate that the book provides hopeful notes without pat, easy answers.
This is one I keep meaning to check out. Thanks for the reminder!