The Tiger Who Came to Tea
on Goodreads (17,359)
What’s inside...
The story is about a little girl named Sophie and her mother who are joined by a hungry tiger for tea. The tiger eats all the food in the house and then leaves, leaving Sophie and her mother with no dinner. The next day, they buy more food, including a big tin of tiger food, in case the tiger should come to tea again. The classic picture book story of Sophie and her extraordinary teatime guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published more than fifty years ago. Now an award-winning animation! The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! This warm and funny picture book story is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again. First published in 1968 and never out of print, it has become a timeless classic enjoyed and beloved by generations of children. The magic begins at teatime! ‘A modern classic.’ The Independent “It’s no surprise Judith’s work is still popular. It owes nothing to the vagaries of style or fashion. Her warmth and humanity are timeless.” Michael Foreman
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the tiger drank all the water in the tap?
What would you do if a tiger came to our house for tea?
How do you think Sophie felt when she saw the tiger at the door?
Why is it important to share, like how Sophie and her mother shared their food with the tiger?
Can you think of other ways Sophie and her mother could have spent the evening if the tiger hadn’t visited?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking what they would do if a tiger visited them.
Discuss the emotions of different characters at various points in the story to enhance empathy skills.
Use the book as an opportunity to talk about sharing and kindness by focusing on how Sophie and her mom interacted with the tiger.
Relate the story events to real-life situations to help your child connect with the book’s themes.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Generosity and hospitality
Explanation: In the story, Sophie and her mother warmly welcome the tiger into their home and share their food and drink generously, despite the tiger’s huge appetite.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing and being hospitable to guests, which can translate into being kind and generous to others in day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Handling unexpected situations
Explanation: The arrival of the tiger is unexpected, and yet Sophie and her mother handle the situation with calm and grace.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to remain composed and think creatively when faced with unforeseen circumstances at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: After the tiger eats all the food, Sophie and her mother adapt by going out to a cafe for dinner.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of being flexible and adapting to changes, a vital skill for problem-solving and resilience in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple pleasures
Explanation: Despite the challenges posed by the tiger’s visit, the story ends with Sophie looking forward to future teas, showcasing a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find happiness in simple, everyday activities and maintain a positive attitude despite setbacks.