Ruth Plumly Thompson had the tough job of continuing L. Frank Baum's beloved Oz series, and with The Hungry Tiger of Oz, she proves she was more than up to the task. She brings her own brand of humor and whimsy to the Emerald City and beyond.

The Story

The plot kicks off with the Hungry Tiger's big mistake. Overwhelmed by his endless hunger, he gulps down a royal wagon belonging to the King of Ev. Inside is the king's nasty vizier, the magician Blinkie. This sets off a chain reaction. Betsy Bobbin and her mule, Hank, get swept up in the mess and find themselves on a rescue mission to Ev. Their journey is packed with the classic Oz formula: strange new lands (like the Valley of Romance), oddball characters (including the forgetful Prince Inga), and narrow escapes. It's a race against time to save the swallowed victims before it's too late, with plenty of detours and discoveries along the way.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast because of Carter Green, the Hungry Tiger. He's such a wonderful contradiction—a fierce-looking beast with a gentle soul. His struggle is funny, but you also really feel for him. He wants to be good and kind in a body built for ferocity. The friendship that develops between him, Betsy, and Hank is genuine and drives the story forward. Thompson's Oz feels expansive and alive, full of new corners to explore that still honor Baum's original vision. The pacing is quick, the dangers are creative, and the solutions are clever, often relying on heart and wit rather than just magic.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for fans of classic children's fantasy who have already visited Dorothy's Oz and want to see more of it. It's also great for anyone who loves stories about misfits and underdogs (or undertigers!). The humor holds up well, and the central theme of defying expectations is timeless. If you're looking for a comfort read that's packed with adventure, heart, and one of the most memorable talking animals in fiction, give this hungry cat a try.