The Loudest Roar

From the Publisher

The jungle is usually a peaceful place but not when Clovis, a small tiger, is around. He loves to sneak up on the animals and startle them with the "roaringest" roar in the world. One day, while he is sipping at a stream, the animals turn the tables and join in a cacophonous clamor that jolts him right up a tree. A truce is declared and the jungle settles down in peace again-well, "most of the time." The lively rhythmic text, which takes full advantage of alliteration and repetition, makes this book a storyteller's delight. Children will relish joining in with the tiger's roar and the refrain, "Suddenly-there was Clovis!" as the page is turned from a scene of peaceful somnolence to one of chaos. Taylor's full-color, cartoon illustrations can be overly busy-they are most successful when the artist uses double-page spreads and particularly excellent in capturing the moment of flurried surprise that results from the roar. This title is appropriate both for group sharing and one-on-one reading. Clovis's enthusiasm for the surprise will strike a chord with youngsters, and the lesson about "doing unto others-" will resonate with both adults and children who share this tale.--School Library Journal, March 2003

Eager to prove that he is the loudest and fiercest animal in the jungle, Clovis, a very young, small tiger, approaches everyone he sees with a loud ROAR! No one is impressed, but in fact they become rather annoyed at the disturbance he's creating. The monkeys finally organize a just comeuppance with the offended parrots, wildebeests, and elephants, in a plot line reminiscent of Diane Massie's classic The Baby Beebee Bird, re-illustrated by Stephen Kellogg (2000). Taylor (The Sorcerer's Apprentice, 2002, etc.) has written a cumulative tale that's predictable and based on an overdone theme. His simple text reads aloud easily and offers opportunity for some participation. The color-pencil drawings in various shades of greens, browns, and blues depict the animals in a caricature fashion, emphasizing their vexed, angry reaction to Clovis and his roars. Clovis's playful, kitten-style look is completely non-threatening, and he's much too cute to take seriously. Unimpressive, just like Clovis.--Kirkus Reviews, January 2003

Publishers Weekly

Diminutive Clovis prides himself on being "the fiercest, most roaringest tiger in the whole world." But he's also a pain in the neck, upsetting the other inhabitants of the jungle with his outbursts. Taylor (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) drives home the egregious nature of Clovis's transgressions by depicting the jungle as the very picture of calm and cooperation (except for Clovis, of course). At the water hole, crocodiles bask placidly next to flamingos, and monkeys rest atop elephants. A monkey comes up with the solution for Clovis's roaring: all the animals sneak up on the tiger cub while he's peacefully lapping up water and let loose their loudest sounds. The spread fills with prominent noses and noises-"Squawk"; "Snap"; "Trumpet"; "Oouu Oouu"-and Clovis reacts like a cat on a hot tin roof. The fair-is-fair resolution might backfire with the audience: kids may well enjoy the short-lived jungle cacophony more than the lesson. The ending illustration suggests that Clovis's pranks are far from over, and youngsters are sure to cheer this irreverent hero's naughtiness. Ages 6 mos.-5 yrs. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Have you ever thought that maybe you had the loudest roar? Perhaps you believed you were an expert in your field or you were the most clever student in your class. Maybe you even thought you had the best laugh or could sing like none other. If so, you probably wanted everyone to notice, right? Well, you and Clovis the tiger would definitely have something in common. Itty-bitty Clovis thinks he is the fiercest, most roaringest tiger in the jungle, and he sets out on a mission to make sure that all the other animals know it. What he soon discovers, however, is that not everyone cares for his roaring or for his tactics, and Clovis gets a taste of his own medicine. With colorful, lively illustrations, this book is fun, silly, and engaging while providing an important lesson. Created by the jacket illustrator of Harry Potter's British edition, this is a great piece for any collection. 2002, Arthur A. Levine,
— Sheree Van Vreede

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-The jungle is usually a peaceful place but not when Clovis, a small tiger, is around. He loves to sneak up on the animals and startle them with the "roaringest" roar in the world. One day, while he is sipping at a stream, the animals turn the tables and join in a cacophonous clamor that jolts him right up a tree. A truce is declared and the jungle settles down in peace again-well, "most of the time." The lively rhythmic text, which takes full advantage of alliteration and repetition, makes this book a storyteller's delight. Children will relish joining in with the tiger's roar and the refrain, "Suddenly-there was Clovis!" as the page is turned from a scene of peaceful somnolence to one of chaos. Taylor's full-color, cartoon illustrations can be overly busy-they are most successful when the artist uses double-page spreads and particularly excellent in capturing the moment of flurried surprise that results from the roar. This title is appropriate both for group sharing and one-on-one reading. Clovis's enthusiasm for the surprise will strike a chord with youngsters, and the lesson about "doing unto others-" will resonate with both adults and children who share this tale.-Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Eager to prove that he is the loudest and fiercest animal in the jungle, Clovis, a very young, small tiger, approaches everyone he sees with a loud ROAR! No one is impressed, but in fact they become rather annoyed at the disturbance he's creating. The monkeys finally organize a just comeuppance with the offended parrots, wildebeests, and elephants, in a plot line reminiscent of Diane Massie's classic The Baby Beebee Bird, re-illustrated by Stephen Kellogg (2000). Taylor (The Sorcerer's Apprentice, 2002, etc.) has written a cumulative tale that's predictable and based on an overdone theme. His simple text reads aloud easily and offers opportunity for some participation. The color-pencil drawings in various shades of greens, browns, and blues depict the animals in a caricature fashion, emphasizing their vexed, angry reaction to Clovis and his roars. Clovis's playful, kitten-style look is completely non-threatening, and he's much too cute to take seriously. Unimpressive, just like Clovis. (Picture book. 2-5)