The Day Grandfather Tickled a Tiger
by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by Viplov Singh
“The Day Grandfather Tickled a Tiger” by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by Viplov Singh. Published by Penguin. A heartwarming story of love and friendship between Ruskin Bond’s grandfather and a tiger cub.
Ruskin’s grandfather loved animals and had an inclination to have unusual pets as mentioned in many of his stories. In this story, his grandfather had been persuaded to go on a hunting expedition with some VIPs from Delhi in the Terai jungle near Dehra. He had been called to advise on the terrain and to guide the beaters once a tiger had been spotted. They did not sight even a single tiger throughout the trip. Grandfather found a little tiger cub hiding amid the roots of a banyan tree. He got the cub home.
The cub was named Timothy by Ruskin’s grandmother. He had Toto the monkey and a mongrel puppy as his companions. Timothy settled into the household. Ruskin became one of his favourites in addition to grandfather. Timothy liked to stalk anyone who played with him. He started behaving strangely as he grew older. He was after all a Tiger! He grew less friendly. Everyone would be wary when he was around.
Grandfather decided that it was time to send him away. What happened next? Where was Timothy sent? Would they meet Timothy again? Read the extraordinary story to find out. The illustrations are charming and bring the story to life.
My almost eight year old has loved the book for almost two years now. Ruskin Bond is one of our favourite writers and every book of his is treasured by us. This book especially is a treat and I have gifted it to other children several times. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this story is part of English syllabus for grade 7 under Karnataka State Board.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6/7 and above.
Reasons to Read
For some humour and to know about an unusual but true incident from Ruskin’s childhood.
Where to buy from?
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.