It’s Singapore in 1940, war is just around the corner but twelve-year-old Lizard doesn’t know that. He lives in Chinatown above a tailor’s shop, surviving on his wits and hustling for odd jobs.
When he steals a small teak box containing a Japanese code book from a Raffles Hotel suite, he finds himself in a dangerous world of wartime espionage. Lizard doesn’t know who to trust. How is the mysterious book inside the box connected to his friend Lili, a girl full of secrets and fighting skills? Can he trust her, or will she betray him in the end?
Lizard’s Tale is an action-packed adventure for middle-grade readers, set in a British colony in Asia as the Japanese invasion of Singapore looms.
About the Author
Weng Wai Chan was born and grew up in Singapore. She now lives in Auckland with her husband and three children. Lizard's Tale is her first book.
Industry Reviews
'I loved streetwise Lizard; his loyalty, grit and optimism as he grapples with the criminal underworld, his lost uncle and the shadowy manoeuvres and menaces of WWII. Funny, moving and full of action, Lizard's Tale is a spy story where the kids are more than capable of handling themselves, the stakes are high and there's a surprise or secret around every corner.' * Leanne Hall *
'I found it exciting, intriguing and emotional. It had a lot of ups and downs which kept me reading. I enjoyed this book, I would definitely recommend it to friends.' * Alexis, aged 12 *
'An extremely fast-paced action mystery that will keep readers enthralled...a fantastic first novel by Weng Wai Chan and gives a wonderful insight into life during this time. It has strong and fabulous characters, with many twists and turns.' * Lamont Books *
'The heady tropical environment and cultural melting pot of Singapore is brought vividly to life in this thrilling historical adventure, and the political and social complexities of wartime Singapore are handled with clarity and care for a young audience.' * Readings *
'A fabulous adventure story...I enjoyed this action-packed spy story immensely. Middle grade readers are sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Asia as they follow Lizard and Lili's escapades.' * ReadPlus *
'A delightfully entertaining, historical story...adventurous and enchanting, exploring colonisation, wartime and the changing multiculturalism of Singapore during the forties, Lizard's Tale is spirited and utterly delightful.' * Diva Booknerd *
'Readers will be hard put to turn the pages fast enough through the whirl of chases, captures, close escapes, flying bullets and poison darts, and stunning revelations.' * Booklist *
'In addition to its strong pacing, intriguing mystery, and humorous elements, Chan's debut is packed with underlying themes of belonging, prejudice, and empowerment.' * Kirkus (starred review) *
'[A] sparkling story of child spies and international intrigue... a delight.' * Wall Street Journal *