Kanga, Roo, and Tigger were all
late arrivals to the Forest, newcomers is probably a better expression-and
for some reason they Jumped and bounced about and ended living in
the one same place and seemed to live on a diet of Medicines and Sandwiches.
Like Pooh they were actual toys belonging to Christopher Milne. Kanga
and Tigger were later arrivals, presents his parents, carefully chosen
not just for the delight they might give to their new owner, but also for
their literary possibilities."
Tigger bounces into the Forest and he bounces all through the Forest.
Tigger is just that sort of Animal. He is not shy, not quiet, not
indifferent, and never bored. He bounces. We don't discover
why Tigger comes to the Forest, (but we learn that he attacks Tablecloths,
eats everybody's favorite food; is far too Bouncy, especially for Eeyore,
and turns out to be all right really.
Rabbit did not like Tigger and his tiggerish bouncing, so he wanted to
teach him a lesson. "Well, I've got an idea," said Rabbit. And so
the plan was to take Tigger deep into the Forest and get him lost, and
then Tigger would be sorry. But what happens? Rabbit gets lost,
that's what happens... Tigger was tearing round the Forest
making loud yapping noises for Rabbit. And at last a very Small and Sorry
Rabbit heard him. And the Small and Sorry Rabbit rushed through the
mist at the noise, and it suddenly turned into a Tigger; a Friendly Tigger,
a Grand Tigger, a Large and Helpful Tigger, a Tigger who bounced, if he
bounced at all, in just the beautiful way a Tigger ought to bounce.
"Oh, Tigger, I am glad to see you," cried Rabbit.
Tigger may be interested in everything, want to do everything, and want
to bounce everywhere (or everyone), but Tigger also needs kindness, as
Kanga (a mother foremost) quickly understands. Tigger went exploring
the forest. He found a Pooh and a Piglet and an Eeyore, but he couldn't
find any breakfast. Tigger likes everything there is in the world
except honey and haycorns and thistles. Tigger found a home with
Kanga and Roo. She knew at once that, however big Tigger seemed to
be, he wanted as much kindness as Roo. Tigger wanted to bounce everywhere..
