This is a dark and magical story about two children who find a mythical creature – a Tyger – in a rubbish dump in London - set in the near future of the 21st Century. An altered, dark London, where the Tyger is in danger and our protagonists Adam and Zadie are driven to save the Tyger, and in the process save London too.
This is a book that looks at spirituality, and ideas of community, whilst the Tyger teaches Adam and Zadie about the sheer wonder of the universe, of nature and about interpersonal relationships. The Tyger helps the children find all their hidden skills and courage and release it all to fight against the awfulness in their world. It is unique book full of adventure, joy and hope in this thrilling read.
It is written in a careful, almost distilled down text that fills the reader with hope. Complemented by wonderful black and white illustrations from Dave McKean this will become a classic in the same way as the author’s Varjak Paw has – and be taught in many classrooms.
It is a book designed for readers of 9 to 99 who enjoy escaping into other worlds. Much anticipated and destined to be a classic that will be shared and enjoyed everywhere.
Adam has found something incredible in a rubbish dump in London. A mysterious, mythical, magical animal. A TYGER. And the tyger is in danger. Adam and his friend Zadie are determined to help, but it isn't just the tyger's life at stake.
Their whole world is on the verge of destruction. Can they learn to use their powers before it's too late?
'You wait years and years for a masterpiece and then one comes along' Frank Cottrell-Boyce
'Next level excellent. This book is a gem' Malorie Blackman
'A simple thrilling tale of a boy and a girl and a Tyger. A triumph!' Jacqueline Wilson
'An out-and-out masterpiece' Piers Torday
'Breathtaking, heartbreakingly and achingly beautiful. Perfection' Sophie Anderson
'A masterpiece of a story: beautiful, brilliant, perfect!' Peter Bunzl
'A timeless classic' Sita Brahmachari
Author
About S F Said
SF was born in Beirut, Lebanon in May 1967. His family was originally from the Middle East – like Varjak, SF has Mesopotamian ancestors – but he has lived in London since the age of two. Growing up in the flat above where Quentin Blake lived may be why he always wanted to be a children’s writer.
SF says that authors like Roald Dahl, Ursula Le Guin and Rudyard Kipling made him who he is. Their books shaped his mind as did all the comics and music he loved as a child, from Star Wars to The Sandman. His flat walls are covered with books, records and videos – literally thousands of them.
While waiting to be discovered as a writer SF spent 6 years in Middle East Politics, writing for the Crown Prince of Jordan. Following this he went to Cambridge University to do a PhD in Criminology. During his degree SF started writing articles about books and films which won him national journalism prizes. He now writes regularly for the Daily Telegraph and has interviewed the likes of Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Quentin Blake and William Nicholson. His success as a journalist led him into judging the Whitbread Children’s Book Award and programming for the Edinburgh Film Festival.
