Who Is the Beast? [Paperback]

Keith Baker (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A friendly tiger is confused by jungle animals fleeing from a beast, until he discovers he is the beast! “Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator’s imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers.”--Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Traces of the beast are detected by the other forest animals as a magnificent young tiger makes his way through the jungle. The swipe of a majestic striped tail, the flash of hypnotic green eyes and the gleam of pristine white from the underside of massive paws flicker in the undergrowth. As the patterns and colors of the densely foliated habitat become familiar, so the parallels between creatures become obvious. One whiskered face studies another as the tiger stares past his own reflection to a whiskered fish beneath the surface. One pair of green eyes beholds a mirror image when the tiger comes upon a snake. As each creature's unique structure is made evident, a lesson about the tremendous value of the animals and plants that inhabit our world speaks softly through Baker's ( The Magic Fan ) rhythmic text. The luxuriant artwork blends the use of dark, saturant color and dry over dry painting to create stunning spreads. Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator's imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-- As a tiger makes his way through the jungle, other animals flee at the sight of the "beast." When he peers into a river, he sees no creature but himself. Could he be the beast? He retraces his steps and points out the similar features he shares with the other animals he has encountered: the catfish's whiskers, the snake's green eyes, etc. The story ends with happy recognition of the many ways in which the animals are alike. Baker's deceptively simple story told in rhyme is matched with rich, brilliantly colored paintings. Heavy black outlines, dark backgrounds and patterns fill the pages reflecting the denseness of the jungle setting, and the well-designed spreads flow gracefully across the page. Children will enjoy the comparisons of the story as well as the beguiling illustrations. --Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (October 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152001220
• ISBN-13: 978-0152001223
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #264,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Lions, Tigers & Leopards > Fiction
  • #97 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Lions, Tigers & Leopards

More About the Author

KEITH BAKER is the author-illustrator of many beloved picture books, including Little Green, Hide and Snake, and Quack and Count. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who is the beast?, July 27, 2000

By 

Jill Ann Spriggs (Flower Mound, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Is the Beast? (Hardcover)

This is a true picture book-as the pictures tell the story beyond the words. The illustrations go the distance for story time reading, as well as working for up close inspection (be sure to look for that unconcerned snail on every page!). I just never tire of this book and its illustrations, and I have been a fan of it for six years. The illustration of carp, tiger, and jungle folliage provide visual saturation satisfaction. The simple repetitious rhymes are fun to say, they roll off the lips in a way not always found in rhyming text, with wonderful repeating sounds. The story message is sweet, loud and clear, yet subtle at the same time. Thank you for this gem, Mr. Baker!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beast is the Best, July 18, 2001

By 

Elizabeth A. Miller (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Is the Beast? (Paperback)

I have no children of my own but have been a nanny for 6 years. Of all the stories I've read . . . this is by far the best! I give it to every person I know with children! Thank you for such a wonderful story, such beautiful artwork and such wonderful sounds!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beast is the Best!, May 15, 2000

By 

Margaret Schneider "Pro Web Head" (South Florida) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Who Is the Beast? (Hardcover)

A gentle reminder that we are not all so different after all.

My two young boys love this book - just as they love The Magic Fan by the same author. It's one of their favorite bedtime stories.

The illustrations feature some of the most beautiful colors and overall design. My kids really like the way the artwork goes all the way to the edge of the page.

We'll probably buy everything else by this author.