About the Author

George Szirtes is a widely acclaimed Hungarian-born British poet. He has won a variety of prizes for his work, including the TS Eliot Prize for his Reel and the 2013 CLPE Prize for his children’s collection: In the Land of the Giants. His translations from Hungarian poetry, fiction and drama have also won numerous awards. George Szirtes lives in Wymondham, Norfolk, and teaches at the University of East Anglia. 

Reviews

"Leap with hares, run with the wind, pull silly faces with monkeys, watch out for the bear in the bathroom and meet a burping princess! This light-hearted and entertaining collection of poetry features all types of animals and their fantastic adventures. Perfect for curious young minds and ideal for sharing and reading out loud."
*National Literacy Trust*

"This book is in a class of its own. These poems can be read and reread many times and give food for thought."
*IBBY Link*

"A fabulous collection of light-hearted, entertaining poems by the multi-award-winning poet, George Szirtes. Its simplicity and directness will appeal to all readers...With captivating illustrations, this collection of poems is brought to life. The perfect book for any confident lower KS2 readers who are interested in dipping their toes into poetry. A thoroughly engaging read!"
*English Association*

"A lovely collection of poems for young readers. The poems meander delightfully through topics that would be familiar to a young audience. Illustrated by Tim Archbold with line drawings that set just the right tone."
*School Librarian*

"A treat...For a superb but Very Serious adult poet, Szirtes' book strikes just the right note for kids. it is packed with poems that ring and sing and fling off the page...Not only does this collection make you laugh, think and wince but it will help young ones understand the different ways you can capture a moment forever with words."
*Booktrust*

"A collection introducing poetry about all manner of animals and their fantastic adventures."
*Armadillo*

"Here’s another wonder full poetry collection from Otter-Barry Books. George Szirtes can take the plainest, simplest language and use it to make you see and feel the world anew. .. These are not just great poems for children. They are just great poems. Sometimes five stars seems a bit mean ."
*Books for Keeps*

"A gift for creative early years teachers, and much much more. And, Tim Archbold’s delightfully scribble-style, smudgy illustrations further add to the delights herein.  In fact, the whole thing is packed with learning adventures just waiting to be embarked upon … What are you waiting for?"  
*Red Reading Hub*

"We already know that George Szirtes is an accomplished and established award-winning poet. This collection just confirms that he is still writing great stuff for children."
*Poetry Zone*

"With comedy verse, and an affecting lullaby for stormy times...all crying out to be read aloud."
*Book Bag*

"This super collection of poems really extends the imagination with its highly enjoyable range and variety. Leap with hares, call out to the sun, run with the wind, pull silly faces with monkeys, watch out for the bear in the bathroom and meet a burping princess! A fantastic new collection for younger children from a prize-winning poet. These poems are perfect for curious young minds, ready for adventures, and they are ideal for sharing and reading aloud."
*Parents in Touch*

"A wonderful collection for younger children from the award-winning Hungarian-born English poet and translator George Szirtes, How To Be A Tiger marks a major event in the publishing year for poetry fans."
*Achuka*