Strong and proud, the tiger is lord of the jungle, but all his strength and boldness cannot keep him safe from the human hunters. In captivity, the tiger realises that what really matters is not strength or power, but freedom.

Moving, thought-provoking and superbly illustrated by an award-winning picture book creator - this is an important fable for our time.

Prizes

Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2021

"With strong and bold illustrations, this is a wonderful story about a strong and proud tiger - lord of the jungle. But when he's captured by human hunters he realises that what really matters is not strength or power but freedom."

"A powerful thought-provoking story about freedom, animal rights and conservation. Young readers will be captivated by the bold vivid illustrations creating the magnificence of the tiger and the world it inhabits. A beautiful picture book for young children with a serious message for adults."

"Beautiful illustrations...stunning...the message is important."

"A moving story about freedom and it addresses conservation and animal rights issues. The glowing, expressive artwork is a powerful imaginative stimulus...an absolute joy."

"The gentle introduction of quite difficult and sensitive topics help initiate conversations with children."

"Moving, thought provoking and superbly illustrated. Fabulous stuff as ever from Petr, an immense talent in kidlit."

"A moving fable about captivity and freedom (the tiger's most treasured possession)." A wonderful full-sized picture book from on Achuka's favourite illustrators."

"Addresses serious conservation issues and animal rights, perfectly supported by powerful artwork."

"This is such a powerful story, so simply told...as soon as you open the book and see the endpapers, you just know this is going to be one special book."

"With beautiful illustrations, this is a moving and thought-provoking picture book about animal freedom."

"Very much a modern fable, this thought-provoking book with its vibrant, richly patterned art invites readers of all ages to consider the fragility of freedom itself."

"When a proud tiger is captured, he soon realises freedom is more important than strength or power. Beautifully realised with gorgeous illustrations, this immersive modern fable will mesmerise EYFS and KS1 children. It’s also an ideal book to read to a class and inspire cross-curricular artwork and creative writing. A stunning picture book."

Petr Horáček was born in Prague and studied at the Academy of Fine Art. After graduating in 1994, he moved to live in England. His first two picture books were published in 2001, winning the 'Books for Children' Newcomer award. Since then he has won a string of other international prizes and distinctions, including shortlisting for the Independent Booksellers' Week award in 2016 for The Mouse Who Reached the Sky; 'Parents' Best Book of the Year 2013 for Animal Opposites and shortlisting for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for Puffin Peter. The Perfect Present (Otter-Barry Books, 2022) is nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2023. Petr tutors aspiring illustrators as well as holding workshops for children at literary festivals, bookshops and schools. He lives in Worcestershire, UK.