The Tiger-Skin Rug: questions to ask and activities to try
A tiger pretends to be a rug so he can live in a palace, until burglars break in. The Tiger-Skin Rug is a funny classic about pretending, belonging and making a brave choice.
What age is it for? The Tiger-Skin Rug is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Making a brave choice when it really matters.
The Tiger-Skin Rug (Gerald Rose)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Making a brave choice when it really matters
Read it with a twinkle and enjoy the tiger's secret life. Pause when the burglars arrive and ask your child what the tiger should do, and why it's a hard choice.
What it helps with
- Making a choice that takes courage
- Belonging and being part of a family
- Honesty and pretending
- Doing the right thing even if it costs you
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did the tiger want to live in the palace?”
- “How did he hide?”
- “What did he enjoy doing at night?”
- “What happened when the burglars came?”
- “What did he risk by helping?”
- “What’s a brave choice you’ve made?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rug game
Take turns lying still as a “rug” while the other tries to make you laugh.
Big choice
Talk about a time doing the right thing was hard, and how it felt afterwards.
Free printables: The Tiger-Skin Rug worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Judith Kerr)
- Best for
- Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly
- Age
- 2-6
Supertato (Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet)
- Best for
- Bravery, helping others, and a lot of laughs
- Age
- 3-6
The Leopard's Drum (Jessica Souhami)
- Best for
- Being small, clever and brave
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.