Title: Heart of a Tiger

Author: Marsha Diane Arnold

"Arnold makes an appealing debut in a book set in India. A small gray kitten must choose his name in the week before the Name Day celebration. He follows a Bengal tiger, certain that he must learn its ways and adopt its name or one that is just as powerful. Ultimately he saves the tiger's life and becomes Bengali Sher Ka Dil — Heart of a Tiger. Green and gold dominate the sumptuous paintings of the forest. Henterly uses dramatic or unusual perspectives: a close-up of the snarling face of the tiger; the reflection of the cat and some parakeets in a rain puddle. The author opens with a pronunciation guide and concludes with a note on Namakarana, the Indian naming ceremony, briefly describing similar ceremonies in other countries."

     Kirkus Reviews

"At a special ceremony that takes place one year after their birth, animals choose names for themselves. The only stipulation is that all of the creatures must agree that the name is 'fair and honest.' Number Four, a small gray housecat, seems destined to be called 'Smallest of All' — until, a week before Naming Day, he goes into the jungle in search of Tiger, to learn to be like him. Despite the ridicule of the Bengal and others, he proves himself to be both clever and brave. Arnold's picture-book debut is, on the whole, impressive... overall, the story's strong suit is child appeal. The glowing watercolors done in jewel-like tones (perfect for the Indian setting and the lush jungle scenes) are particularly appealing. In fact, the colors, mood, and two-dimensional look are all characteristic of Indian art. An author's note states that, while the animals' naming custom is, of course, fabricated, she has based it on similar customs in various cultures around the world. This very satisfying story will lend itself to group sharing."

     School Library Journal

"Best Books Christmas Roundup"
"Kitten Number Four is tiny and gray, the run of the litter. That makes choosing a name for himself even harder. Naming Day is near, and he must choose. So he ventures into the Indian forest to find the magnificent Bengal tiger. Maybe then he will learn and choose a name that represents what's in his heart.

"Marsha Diane Arnold tells an inspiring tale, Jamichael Henterly's paintings are wise and endearing. When Number Four selects his name, all the animals agree it is fair and honest."

     Houston Chronicle

"Adults who get a glimpse of the prose and artwork in 'Heart of a Tiger' may find themselves enchanted by this children's book, but they'll need help from a young one to truly appreciate it. Grown-ups are rusty on the subjects of simple truth, endless possibilities and grandiose dreaming — the themes that run through this tale of a kitten in search of a name for himself. Children, however, will understand the wisdom in this tiny feline's quest to become the namesake of the Bengal tiger."

     The Press Democrat