Books have a magical way of sparking curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. For World Book Day, Wildcats Conservation Alliance is celebrating the importance of big cats—especially tigers and leopards—in literature.
With fewer than 5,000 tigers and 120 Amur leopards left in the wild, their future depends on the actions we take today. By reading and sharing big cat stories, we can ensure that children grow up understanding the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
This World Book Day, why not pick up a tiger or leopard book and share the magic of these iconic animals? If you’d like to donate to our tiger conservation projects click here.
Best Big Cat Books for Children
1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Judith Kerr (Ages 2-5)
A timeless classic, this charming picture book tells the story of a polite but mischievous tiger who unexpectedly joins a young girl and her mother for tea. A wonderful introduction to tigers for the very young.
2. Mr Tiger Goes Wild – Peter Brown (Ages 3-6)
This beautifully illustrated book follows Mr Tiger as he decides to break free from societal expectations and embrace his wild side. A great read for children learning about individuality and self-expression.
3. There’s a Tiger in the Garden – Lizzy Stewart
Nora doubts her grandma’s stories about a tiger in the garden—until she steps outside and discovers a world of unexpected wonders. As she explores, she begins to question what’s real and what’s imagined in this enchanting tale of adventure and curiosity.
4. Augustus and His Smile – Catherine Rayner
Augustus the tiger has lost his smile, so he sets off on a journey through forests, mountains, and oceans to find it. Along the way, he discovers joy in the world around him in this beautifully illustrated tale of happiness and wonder.
3. Running Wild – Michael Morpurgo (Ages 9-12)
A thrilling adventure about a boy who survives a tsunami and befriends a tiger in the wild, teaching children about survival and conservation.
7. The Tigers’ Tale: A conservation story – Catherine Rayner (Ages 7+)
This gripping true story follows the disappearance and triumphant return of tigers to Panna Tiger Reserve in India. Through the journeys of individual tigers, we see their struggles, triumphs, and the challenges of conservation, highlighting the ongoing fight to protect these majestic animals.
4. When the Mountains Roared –
This book follows Ruby, who moves to the Indian Himalayas after a family tragedy. When she discovers poachers threatening the region’s leopards, she embarks on a daring mission to protect them, uncovering secrets and finding her strength along the way. A thrilling adventure with a strong conservation message.
