The Last Tiger
Petr Horáček
Otter-Barry Books
Animal freedom and conservation are the themes underlying Petr Horáček’s stunningly illustrated, ominously titled new book that begins in the jungle where there dwells a fearless tiger, the strongest, most powerful creature of all.
When a group of hunters come to the jungle, the other animals are alarmed and flee into hiding, urging the tiger to do likewise.
Undaunted the tiger ignores their warning and he’s spotted by the men who are determined to capture the beautiful creature.
Back to the city they go only to return with more men and a plan.
Luring the tiger into a net, they catch him, and he’s taken away and put in a cage for all to see.
In captivity, the unhappy tiger dreams only of running free in the jungle and gradually wastes away. The humans lose interest in him
and one night he’s able to slip between the bars of his cage.
Free once more, the tiger regains his strength and stature while always remembering that what he values most is being free.
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.