The Tiger Who Came to Tea

by Judith Kerr
The Tiger Who Came to Tea cover
Good Books rating 4.67
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 306
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780007386277
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2012-09-10
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Board book • £7.99

This timeless classic picture book tells the charming story of Sophie and her extraordinary teatime guest, a big, furry, stripy tiger who arrives unexpectedly just as Sophie and her mummy sit down to tea. The tiger politely but thoroughly eats and drinks everything in the house, creating a warm and funny tale that has captivated millions of children since its first publication in 1968. The book’s enduring appeal is enhanced by its suitability for reading aloud or for young children to enjoy reading themselves. This edition features a read-along audio performed by Geraldine McEwan, perfectly synced to the text, bringing the story to life for a new generation. The story’s gentle humor and imaginative scenario celebrate the joy and excitement of unexpected visitors, making it a beloved classic that remains in print and has even inspired an award-winning animation. Its appeal lies not only in the playful disruption of everyday order but also in the comforting restoration that follows, making it a treasured story for children and adults alike.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-09-10
delightful 4.70

The review describes the book as a classic children's story recommended for its humor and imaginative appeal.

BookTrust regards 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' as a cherished classic in children's books, emphasizing its humorous and imaginative qualities. The story's playful interaction between Sophie, her mother, and the tiger is highlighted as a source of joy and wonder for young readers, making it a highly recommended and enduring favorite.

Quick quotes

    Judith Kerr's The Tiger Who Came to Tea is one of those classics.

    A playful and imaginative children's story.

    Recommended for its humor and timeless appeal.

The Bookbag · 2020-01-01
delightful 4.80

The book is highly recommended for its brevity and charm, making it perfect for a quick yet delightful read. It is praised for being a timeless and engaging picture book that appeals to both children and adults.

This review from The Bookbag emphasizes how The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a small but impactful picture book that delivers its story in just about ten minutes, making it ideal for young readers and busy parents. The reviewer and the team at Bookbag Towers clearly hold the book in high regard, appreciating its ability to charm readers quickly and effectively. The recommendation underscores the timeless appeal of Judith Kerr’s work and how its simple narrative continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, providing a warm and engaging experience.

Quick quotes

    This wonderful picture book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, comes highly recommended by all at Bookbag Towers.

    It's a wee book; it'll only take you ten minutes or so to read it.

    The Tiger Who Came To Tea is a delightful read that remains a classic for good reason.

DadReads · 2018-06-01
intriguing 4.50

The book is recognized as a classic with a simple story, but the reviewer hints at a deeper, intriguing mystery behind its enduring appeal. The polite yet surreal visit of the tiger is seen as both charming and slightly unsettling.

The reviewer at DadReads reflects on the longevity and mystery of the book, noting that despite the author's claim that the story is simply about a tiger visiting Sophie, there seems to be more to unpack. The surreal nature of a tiger politely joining a family for tea and consuming all their food and drinks strikes a balance between whimsy and the unexpected, which has fascinated readers for decades. The review also touches on how the story feels more shocking in its original 1968 context compared to today, adding an interesting cultural perspective on why the tiger’s visit remains memorable and captivating.

Quick quotes

    Judith Kerr still insists it is nothing deeper than the story of a tiger visiting a little girl named Sophie. Pull the other one, Judith.

    Sophie and her mummy politely invite the tiger inside to share their meal.

    He drinks all the milk and orange juice, all of Daddy’s beer, and all the water in the tap.

Laura Summers · 2015-10-17
charming 4.70

The story is a charming traditional children's tale that remains beloved for its simple narrative and British feel. It captivates with its polite yet enormous appetite tiger and the warmth of Sophie and her family.

This review appreciates the book as a wonderful traditional children's story that has captivated readers since its first publication in 1968. The reviewer highlights the polite manners of the tiger despite his huge appetite, and the affectionate interactions between Sophie, her mother, and the tiger, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a story full of charm with a touch of whimsy that appeals across generations. The timeless nature of the narrative and the gentle humor in the tiger's polite yet insatiable consumption are what make this book a classic in children's literature.

Quick quotes

    The Tiger Who Came To Tea is a wonderful traditional children's story.

    Although he sits very nicely at the kitchen table, and waits politely to be offered the sandwiches, the cakes, the buns and then the biscuits, each time he scoffs the lot.

    Nobody seems to mind though. Sophie cuddles him, rides on his back and plays with his stripy tail - and the tiger still has a great big smile on his face.

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