A. Bibliographic Data:
The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans, by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Eleanor Briggs, published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 2001; ISBN: 0618077049
B. Plot Summary:
This excitingly titled tale introduces children to residents of the mysterious world of the region of Sundarbans, on the border of India and Bangladesh. It describes the unusual behavior of the tigers that live in that area and describes how readers might go about researching them. Photographs accompany Montgomery’s descriptive text discussing a variety of aspects of the region. Sections of the book cover how to get to the area, what you might see on a visit, how and where different species of tigers live, why scientists think the tigers behave the way they do, what nearby villagers say about the tigers, local legends about the origins of the forest, and the truth behind the stories. At the conclusion of the book, Montgomery provides a brief guide to Bengali (the language of the region), some statistics about tigers, other recommended titles, and organizations that help tigers in various ways.
C. Critical Analysis:
Because this book is set up as a guide for children to do their own research on tigers, Montgomery regularly asks questions of readers, encouraging them to think about what they might do in her situation. As one of the below-quoted reviews points out, readers may be a bit let down by this volume. It does not have a lot of detail about the tigers, and the photographs contain more of the surrounding scenery and villagers than of the tigers themselves. Unfortunately, the nature of scientific knowledge about these creatures prevents a great amount of detail from being shared with readers. Montgomery does engage readers in scientific exploration and discovery, though, talking about the scientific process and encouraging readers to come to their own conclusions. Because the author herself visited the area several times and spoke to several experts on tigers, her accuracy is fairly reliable. She also clearly explains what content in the book is theory and what is known. Photographs taken on one of the voyages to Sundarbans show what is being discussed on many of the pages. The author is clearly excited about her topic, and wants to share that with readers. This volume will interest readers and inspire them to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
D. Review Excerpts:
~ “The largely conjectural knowledge of the tigers is handled carefully, but the lack of immediacy may tax the patience of readers expecting the more dramatic encounter with tigers suggested by the title and cover photo. . . . Montgomery's personal enthusiasm and knowledge extend nicely into the book's informative concluding elements that include fast facts, a glossary of Bengali phrases, a list of related organizations, and comments on the photographs.” – Margaret Bush, School Library Journal
~ “It immediately captures attention with fresh, engaging writing that turns a scientific study into a page-turning mystery. Montgomery carefully sets the place . . . . It's the text, with as many questions as answers, that excites, as a fascinating topic meets a talented storyteller.” – Ilene Cooper, Booklist
E. Connections:
~ Use with a unit on big cats.
~ Use with a unit on endangered species.
~ Include in a more general study of the culture of India/Bangladesh.
~ Have students identify another animal they would want to study and plan an imaginary trip to do so.
The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans, by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Eleanor Briggs, published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 2001; ISBN: 0618077049
B. Plot Summary:
This excitingly titled tale introduces children to residents of the mysterious world of the region of Sundarbans, on the border of India and Bangladesh. It describes the unusual behavior of the tigers that live in that area and describes how readers might go about researching them. Photographs accompany Montgomery’s descriptive text discussing a variety of aspects of the region. Sections of the book cover how to get to the area, what you might see on a visit, how and where different species of tigers live, why scientists think the tigers behave the way they do, what nearby villagers say about the tigers, local legends about the origins of the forest, and the truth behind the stories. At the conclusion of the book, Montgomery provides a brief guide to Bengali (the language of the region), some statistics about tigers, other recommended titles, and organizations that help tigers in various ways.
C. Critical Analysis:
Because this book is set up as a guide for children to do their own research on tigers, Montgomery regularly asks questions of readers, encouraging them to think about what they might do in her situation. As one of the below-quoted reviews points out, readers may be a bit let down by this volume. It does not have a lot of detail about the tigers, and the photographs contain more of the surrounding scenery and villagers than of the tigers themselves. Unfortunately, the nature of scientific knowledge about these creatures prevents a great amount of detail from being shared with readers. Montgomery does engage readers in scientific exploration and discovery, though, talking about the scientific process and encouraging readers to come to their own conclusions. Because the author herself visited the area several times and spoke to several experts on tigers, her accuracy is fairly reliable. She also clearly explains what content in the book is theory and what is known. Photographs taken on one of the voyages to Sundarbans show what is being discussed on many of the pages. The author is clearly excited about her topic, and wants to share that with readers. This volume will interest readers and inspire them to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
D. Review Excerpts:
~ “The largely conjectural knowledge of the tigers is handled carefully, but the lack of immediacy may tax the patience of readers expecting the more dramatic encounter with tigers suggested by the title and cover photo. . . . Montgomery's personal enthusiasm and knowledge extend nicely into the book's informative concluding elements that include fast facts, a glossary of Bengali phrases, a list of related organizations, and comments on the photographs.” – Margaret Bush, School Library Journal
~ “It immediately captures attention with fresh, engaging writing that turns a scientific study into a page-turning mystery. Montgomery carefully sets the place . . . . It's the text, with as many questions as answers, that excites, as a fascinating topic meets a talented storyteller.” – Ilene Cooper, Booklist
E. Connections:
~ Use with a unit on big cats.
~ Use with a unit on endangered species.
~ Include in a more general study of the culture of India/Bangladesh.
~ Have students identify another animal they would want to study and plan an imaginary trip to do so.
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