Review by Frank Plowright

The tiger is the most fearsome creature in the jungle, right? Well, that’s true up to a point. What if the tiger had a friendly talking flower growing from its tail, intent on doing good deeds for fellow creatures?

Lee Gee Eun is a renowned illustrator of children’s books in Korea, but little of her work has been translated into English. She normally illustrates text stories, and The Legend of Tiger and Tail Flower combines full page paintings with pages of lively comics in telling a charming tale. The intruder’s arrival is a rather random drop from the atmosphere as the tiger sleeps, but the remainder is a heartwarming treat, and unlike many children’s stories this covers a fair timespan.

While the story will surely captivate young readers, the art is the real selling point. Kids will be able to lose themselves in the beautiful watercolour illustrations, and the comic sections are packed with energetic movement and engaging versions of other animals. The tiger and the tail flower contemplating a sunset is a stunning piece, simple, but with the colours so well chosen for maximum impact.

Lee starts her story with conflict, both between the tiger and the new tail, and between the tiger and its neighbours. By the end, though, the tail flower has brought harmony and understanding throughout the community.

This has the timeless feeling of an ancient fable brought to new life, but it’s all Lee’s work and a captivating treat for readers of all ages from start to finish.