Nine-In-One, Grr! Grr!

This is a very cute and funny folk tale from the Hmong about the tiger. It is very cute and I loved the ending. I don't want to overstate the tale but it is sweet and I was surprised by the ending or the explanation for the tiger. This book came signed by the illustrator Nancy Hom too. That is a nice plus for a very sweet book. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand and speak Thai and Lao (though not as well as I used to) and that gives me a connection to Southeast Asia and the Hmong. The Hmong themselves are a wonderful people and they are very assertive of their heritage. They will speak Lao with me but remind me very firmly that they are Hmong, not Lao! I respect that. The Hmong of Southeast Asia are quite artistic and their handiworks are available in craft stores around the US.

This is a fun book for students. It is great for younger readers- 3rd graders did quite well. It is a fun way to share a folktale from a place many students may not know about. The story has a catch phrase that the kids loved joining along with. After reading the story, they wanted to learn more about Laos. I am truly pleased!

Originally, I had read this story with my 8 year old daughter for homework and 2 year old son loved it! There is nothing more pleasing then reading to a child who enjoys to listen. The book itself is VERY good and it keeps the kids attention. It has become our favorite "family" book.

The illustrations in this book are especially apt being draaawn from the embroidery style associated with the Hmong. The tale is a simple tale of a tiger told she would have nine cubs in one year being tricked by a bird into one cub in nine years. The "exotic" animals appeal to children while the story is humorous without any cultural barriers.This is an excellent choice for animal stories outside the traditional European culture.

I think this was a very original traditional tale from the Hmong people. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think children of all ages will too.