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Tiny Tiger says Why Can't I?
An adorable new series about the highs and lows of toddler life from the creators of I’m Sticking with You.
"WHY can't I have the ice cream?
WHY can't I have the cake?
I know it's past my bedtime ... but I'm really wide awake!"
Tiny Tiger has SO many brilliant things to do – if only people would stop saying no!
The perfect book for every tiny tiger who "Why can't I?"
Introducing Tiny a small tiger with BIG feelings – in the adorable new series from the bestselling creators of I'm Sticking with You.
Also by Smriti Halls and Steve
I’m Sticking with You (shortlisted for Oscar’s Book Prize and for Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year at the British Book Awards)
I’m Sticking with You Too (shortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize)
Let’s Stick Together
"WHY can't I have the ice cream?
WHY can't I have the cake?
I know it's past my bedtime ... but I'm really wide awake!"
Tiny Tiger has SO many brilliant things to do – if only people would stop saying no!
The perfect book for every tiny tiger who "Why can't I?"
Introducing Tiny a small tiger with BIG feelings – in the adorable new series from the bestselling creators of I'm Sticking with You.
Also by Smriti Halls and Steve
I’m Sticking with You (shortlisted for Oscar’s Book Prize and for Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year at the British Book Awards)
I’m Sticking with You Too (shortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize)
Let’s Stick Together
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 27, 2026
As a parent, I am always looking for books that don't just entertain, but also help my little one navigate big feelings—and this book hits the nail on the head! Tiny Tiger Says Why Can't I? is an absolutely delightful addition to our bookshelf.
Smriti Prasadam-Halls has perfectly captured the toddler mindset in this story. The rhymes are bouncy, rhythmic, and incredibly fun to read aloud, and they perfectly mimic a child's impatience and curiosity. Tiny Tiger wants to do everything—drive a car, eat all the treats, stay up late—but constantly hears "no" from parents, which I think every child (and parent) will immediately empathize with.
What makes this book 5-star worthy is that it doesn't just show a tantrum, it offers a gentle lesson. Without being preachy, it teaches young readers about boundaries, safety, and why sometimes parents have to say no—even when Tiny Tiger doesn't want to hear it.
The illustrations by Steve Small are phenomenal—soft, textured, and full of emotion, capturing every stage of Tiny Tiger’s frustration and eventual understanding.
If you are dealing with a "Why?" phase, or just need a lovely, comforting bedtime story, I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s perfect for ages 2–6 and is an instant classic in our home.
Smriti Prasadam-Halls has perfectly captured the toddler mindset in this story. The rhymes are bouncy, rhythmic, and incredibly fun to read aloud, and they perfectly mimic a child's impatience and curiosity. Tiny Tiger wants to do everything—drive a car, eat all the treats, stay up late—but constantly hears "no" from parents, which I think every child (and parent) will immediately empathize with.
What makes this book 5-star worthy is that it doesn't just show a tantrum, it offers a gentle lesson. Without being preachy, it teaches young readers about boundaries, safety, and why sometimes parents have to say no—even when Tiny Tiger doesn't want to hear it.
The illustrations by Steve Small are phenomenal—soft, textured, and full of emotion, capturing every stage of Tiny Tiger’s frustration and eventual understanding.
If you are dealing with a "Why?" phase, or just need a lovely, comforting bedtime story, I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s perfect for ages 2–6 and is an instant classic in our home.
May 13, 2026
This board book has bright, colorful illustrations, and it teaches a lesson about respecting your parents and accepting boundaries, even when you don't understand why they won't let you do things like drive the car. The constant question of, "Why can't I?" will be familiar to anyone who has spent lots of time with little kids, and the illustrations are humorous and relatable. However, I don't love the ending.
As the book winds down, the tiger first seems unrealistically accepting of his parents' wisdom and authority. Then he concludes, "Why can't you?" in response to a parent telling him to clean up his mess. Although this ending can elicit a giggle if someone is reading this for fun, it weakens the book's power as a teaching tool. Because so much of this book message-driven, the ending strikes a wrong note, even though it's intended to be playful and funny.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As the book winds down, the tiger first seems unrealistically accepting of his parents' wisdom and authority. Then he concludes, "Why can't you?" in response to a parent telling him to clean up his mess. Although this ending can elicit a giggle if someone is reading this for fun, it weakens the book's power as a teaching tool. Because so much of this book message-driven, the ending strikes a wrong note, even though it's intended to be playful and funny.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 25, 2026
This is book was off to a really cute start, and I think it does a good job addressing kid's feelings when it feels like their parents tell them "no" all the time. I loved the illustrations, they're bright, colorful, and so fun.
Unfortunately, the end was a miss for me. Little tiger doing their best was great, but the automatic acquiescence felt unrealistic and insincere, and though the ending is funny, it undercuts the original point.
Overall a cute story, but I think the ending could use some rework.
A special thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, the end was a miss for me. Little tiger doing their best was great, but the automatic acquiescence felt unrealistic and insincere, and though the ending is funny, it undercuts the original point.
Overall a cute story, but I think the ending could use some rework.
A special thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2026
This was an advanced reader copy from Netgalley
I read this book with my 8 year old and 5 year old boys. They enjoyed it and the lesson in it is great. This really addresses feelings a lot of children deal with when parents tell them No.
I read this book with my 8 year old and 5 year old boys. They enjoyed it and the lesson in it is great. This really addresses feelings a lot of children deal with when parents tell them No.
August 24, 2025
unrealistic that the tiger listens to his parents, but cute and i love his little angry face
April 11, 2026
Minun makuuni vähän turhan alleviivaava ja kasvattava kirja.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews