Once upon a time, identifying a good picture book was simple: it had bright-coloured illustrations, an easy-to-read text, and it dealt with things relevant to a child’s life. While these elements are still important, the genre has developed to such an extent that simplicity is no longer the prime criterion. As some recent titles show, picture books can cover a multitude of styles and themes; however, whatever their subject, the overriding criteria should always be artistic and literary excellence, and an ability to touch the reader.

In Tyger! Tyger! (Cygnet, $27.95 hb, 32 pp), Elizabeth Stanley has definitely met these criteria. With its homage to William Blake, this book champions the idea of harmony between animals and humans. Stanley tells the story of Thai Buddhist monks who convert their monastery into a sanctuary for endangered tigers. Using the structured cadences of an Asian folk tale, her text interweaves legend, Buddhism and stark present-day realities. Her painterly illustrations echo this formal style, with classical compositions intensifying the emotional content and superb representations of the tigers capturing their vulnerability as well as their magnificence. This is a beautiful book in every way.