Tales of Mike the Tiger

For the youngest fans of Louisiana State University sports, Mike the Tiger is the main attraction. Boys and girls visiting campus beg to stop by Mike’s brand-new home situated near Tiger Stadium, Alex Box Stadium, and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, hoping to hear the big cat roar and have their photo taken with him. Mike’s veterinarian, David G. Baker, and reading specialist Margaret Taylor Stewart have combined their expertise in this fun, informative guidebook for the most devoted followers of the beloved Bengal mascot.

With its question-and-answer format, this delightful book tells about Mike from whiskers to tail. Baker and Stewart offer lively responses to questions such as: Why does LSU have both a live tiger and a costumed mascot? What weighs as much as Mike the Tiger? Does Mike go to the dentist? What does Mike eat? They explore Mike’s daily routine, playtime, health care, travel arrangements, and likes and dislikes.

Readers can delve into the history of LSU’s tiger tradition, meeting “up close” each of the five Mikes who have reigned since 1936. In “More about Tigers,” they can learn about Mike’s place in the larger cat family, the various subspecies of tigers, their habitats around the world, and the tiger’s distinct physical traits. Ten hands-on activities—including making a tiger face mask and cooking a delicious fudge-and-pecan treat shaped like Mike’s paw print—will engage kids’ creativity and skills. A special “Notes to Parents and Teachers” section offers suggestions for integrating the book into classroom studies.

Lavishly illustrated with more than one hundred photographs capturing the many moods and adventures of Mike, Tales of Mike the Tiger will satisfy even the most inquisitive child on the subject of this favorite feline.