A Tiger Called Thomas

A newly illustrated (by Diana Cain Bluthenthal) 2003 version of Charlotte Zolotow's 1963 picture book, A Tiger Called Thomas follows a young boy struggling to make friends in his new neighborhood. Though his mother tries to reassure him, Thomas is afraid that his neighbors—including a lady with a black cat, a guy with a black poodle, a tall boy named Gerald, and a playful girl called Marie—will not like him, and as a result, he longingly people-watches, but never budges from his perch on the stoop. However, when Thomas dresses up in a tiger costume for Halloween—complete with quilted tail, whiskers, and newfound bravery—his neighbors recognize him, slather him with goodies (like his favorite candy apples and pumpkin cookies), and request that he visit them soon. Likely to provide a shot of confidence to recently-moved youngsters, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)