Reviews

Mother to Tigers by Peter Catalanotto, George Ella Lyon

barefootbetsy's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

4.75

the_lobrarian's review against another edition

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  • Illustrations are watercolor, charcoal, and torn paper

scostner's review against another edition

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4.0

I attended a workshop led by George Ella Lyon at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, TN. As one of the participants, I received copies of several of her books, including this one. Her picture book tells the story of Helen Martini and how she came to be the first animal keeper in the Bronx Zoo. George Ella read it to us, told us about her research, and showed us how many drafts she went through to get the story just right. This is a wonderful narrative nonfiction piece to use with students. It has so many elements that will draw children in such as pets, zoo animals, and the mishief of tiger cubs pouncing on furniture and jumping into the bathtub. But it also has great life skills to teach like problem-solving, caring, and initiative. And it shows a positive role model, especially for girls.

I can't wait to share this book with my students.

Thank you to Lisa at the ETHC and to George Ella for making the workshop possible and introducing me to this amazing story.
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