Available 📚
Australia
Berkelouw Bookshop and Cafe, Hornsby
Outside Australia
Request it at your local library
Am I A Tiger?
A Mindful Water Tiger Cub’s Journey of Love, Friendship and Self-Discovery
Belinda Siew Luan Khong, PhD, Illustrated by Kelsey C. Roy
“…a great book for children, parents, and families who want a heart-warming introduction to the positive values of mindfulness, gratitude, love, and compassion…”
— Michelle Yeoh, Best Actress, Academy Awards, 2023
After losing his stripes, a lost cub wonders if he really is a tiger after all.
Join the little cub on his journey of discovery, meeting big tigers, mischievous jungle animals, and a mystical phoenix who teaches us that differences are only skin deep, and that compassion, gratitude, and friendship unite us all.
The book contains explanatory notes about the Lunar New Year, and a delightful Chinese Zodiac calendar for readers to discover their own zodiac signs.
Am I A Tiger? is the first in the Lunar New Animals Books for Kids. This delightful book integrates Eastern & Western wisdom, positive psychological themes and universal values. It will inspire a love of reading in children, and the cultivation of compassion, kindness, generosity and friendship. Families can use the Water Tiger Cub's experiences to discuss the children's fear of rejection, loneliness, learn to embrace differences and practice positive values.
I hope that reading such inspiring stories will result in "Children walking in the park, instead of walking to my consultation room in future."
Endorsements
"...a delightful tale of a tiger cub's search for love and friendship..."
—Chris Ruane, former UK Member of Parliament
"...destined to become a classic of children's literature."
—Dr Scott D. Churchill, Professor of Psychology
"...children will open their hearts to the timeless wisdom of awareness, kindness, compassion and self-worth..."
—Janet Etty-Leal, Mindfulness Educator and Author
Look Inside the Book
Reader Reviews
"A completely fresh and original story for kids, parents, and teachers who want a beautifully illustrated, captivating tale about a little tiger who is out to discover his true identity. ... The author is a distinguished psychologist, therapist and mindfulness expert with experience integrating Western understandings of emotional well-being with Buddhist virtues of loving kindness. I was able to discover that I too was a 'water tiger!!"
"I love the cultural elements of the book. I have not seen the Chinese animal zodiac incorporated into children's books before. I think that is very special. This seems like a simple book with the most delightful pictures, but the message are powerful for how to cope with life in a gentle way. Well done, Dr Khong!”
"It is a great book for discussing with kids what it means to feel like you don't quite belong, and the idea that what's inside matters more than what's on the outside. We used it to talk about what kindness means, and how to have courage even when you are feeling scared. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, especially the one of the little cub falling out of the sky. Highly recommended!
"My 10-year-old son commented 'It is a really good book!' The two messages he took from the book were that 1) small things make a big difference, and 2) no matter how difference you are to everyone, you are still the same... just as important and just as equal. Well done on a beautiful story. A book that my son will willingly read and talk about is a true testament to how wonderful this story is for adults and children alike. It opened up discussions between my son and I about who we are , how we grow and our journeys in life."
"The author did an amazing job at portraying a positive message."