Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman

Ill. by Divya Srinivasan. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408879238
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Speech. India. Cinnamon was a princess who didn't talk. Her parents the Rajah and the Rani were determined to find someone who could teach her to speak and offered a mango grove, a portrait of the Rani's aunt, a parrot and a beautiful room in the palace to the person who was successful. But no one was able to get her to speak. Then one day a fierce and hug man-eating tiger appeared at the palace and said that he was there to teach the girl-cub how to talk. She was left in the room with him and there she experienced pain, fear and love. It was love that woke Cinnamon's voice and she told her parents that she had nothing to say before but now the tiger has told her of love and the world she has decided to go away with him.
This is a witty and fascinating story told by the award winning Gaiman. The illustrations are outstanding. The palace of the Rajah and Rani is depicted beautifully with peacocks strolling in the gardens and swans floating in the lily pond. The saris of the women are in gorgeous purples and greens Cinnamon comes alive with pearl eyes, beautiful hair and nose ring beautifully drawn. The colours are pastel and soft until the tiger comes along with his bold black and orange stripes, wide mouth and sharp teeth, terrifying enough to make the reader fear for Cinnamon and wonder just who he will eat.
Perfect for reading aloud, this fabulous tale is sure to become a favourite with children who will be enthralled by the idea of a talking, man eating tiger who can teach about love and entice a princess to leave with him.
Pat Pledger