The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The classic picture book story of Sophie and her extraordinary teatime guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published more than fifty years ago. Now an award-winning animation!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

This warm and funny picture book story is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again. First published in 1968 and never out of print, it has become a timeless classic enjoyed and beloved by generations of children.

The magic begins at teatime!

‘A modern classic.’ The Independent

“It’s no surprise Judith’s work is still popular. It owes nothing to the vagaries of style or fashion. Her warmth and humanity are timeless.” Michael Foreman

Judith Kerr's book 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-02-03.

Judith Kerr was born in Berlin, but left Germany with her family in 1933 to escape the rising Nazi party. They settled in England, where she later met her husband, the celebrated screenwriter Nigel Kneale, with whom she has two children: she wrote The Tiger Who Came to Tea for them. She followed it with the Mog the Forgetful Cat series and many other celebrated stories, as well as her semi-autobiographical story, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. In 2012, Judith as awarded an OBE for her services to children’s literature and holocaust education, and in 2019 she was named Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards. Judith died in 2019, and her much-loved stories continue to delight children all over the world.