"Readers will happily go along for the ride as Iris and Jordi combine method and adventure to solve these riddles. A quirky, cleareyed enchantment. More like this, please (Mystery. 10-14)"--
Kirkus "A surrealist mystery (what could be more intriguing than that?) and a fantastic journey through life, art and families. Wise, whimsical, delightfully original, and altogether charming."--Cassandra Golds
"Reminiscent of Elizabeth Goudge's classic The Little White Horse, full of mystery and an enchanting sense of elsewhere."--Martine Murray
"Will appeal to older primary and younger high-school readers who like magic and are, like Iris, bored by teen romances."--Books + Publishing
Twelve-year-old Iris has been sent to Spain on a mission: to make sure her elderly and unusual aunt, Ursula, leaves her fortune-and her sprawling estate--to Iris's scheming parents.
But from the moment Iris arrives at Bosque de Nubes, she realises something isn't quite right. There is an odd feeling around the house, where time moves slowly and Iris's eyes play tricks on her. While outside, in the wild and untamed forest, a mysterious animal moves through the shadows. Just what is Aunt Ursula hiding?
But when Iris discovers a painting named Iris and the Tiger, she sets out to uncover the animal's real identity-putting her life in terrible danger. Leanne Hall weaves surprisingly complex ideas about friendship and growing up into a wonderfully accessible novel for younger readers.
Leanne Hall is the author of two novels for young adults, the Text Prize-winning This Is Shyness and its sequel Queen of the Night. This is her first middle-grade novel.
Industry Reviews
`A surrealist mystery (what could be more intriguing than that?) and a fantastic journey through life, art and families. Wise, whimsical, delightfully original and altogether charming.' * Cassandra Golds *
`Reminiscent of Elizabeth Goudge's classic The Little White Horse, full of mystery and an enchanting sense of elsewhere.' * Martine Murray *
`The surrealist magic is the most refreshing element of the book: it's a kind of magical realism that is unusual in children's and YA fantasy...Iris and the Tiger will appeal to older primary and younger high-school readers who like magic and are, like Iris, bored by teen romances.' * Books & Publishing *
`Iris and the Tiger has all the hallmarks of a classic children's novel...A great adventure novel' * Readings *
`I absolutely loved Iris and the Tiger! Leanne Hall enchanted me with her tale of magic and mystery. It is a really unique and refreshing story with plenty of excitement to keep you reading. There is something in this book for everyone - art, magic, mystery and wonderful characters.' * My Best Friends Are Books *
`Leanne Hall's charming adventure story for younger readers takes classic tropes of children's literature and gives them a surprising twist.' * Age/Sydney Morning Herald *
`This is a compelling and totally absorbing book that has a timeless, classic feel about it...A wonderful, unique adventure story to read, cherish and remember.' * ReadPlus *
`Iris and the Tiger is its own piece of surrealist art...It resonates, and it offers you a glimpse into a new world. And it defies labels, and challenges preconceptions.' * CBCA Reading Time *
`This is a very special book, by a vibrant Australian author. I love that younger readers get to experience the writing of Leanne Hall, and I especially love that Iris and the Tiger will also surprise and delight older readers alike.' * Alpha Reader *
`Full of surprises and unexpected turnings.' * Magpies *
`Special, and confusing, wonderous and odd...A thoroughly enjoyable, perfectly strange book.' * Where the Writer Comes to Write *
`Enchanting...Bound to appeal to tweens glimpsing the excitement of growing up.' * Daily Telegraph *
`The writing flows so naturally that you are easily taken along on this journey with Iris...This is a book that just keeps giving.' * New Zealand Book Council *
`I loved the story and its anti-development perspective, while the magic of the forests and the mansion where Aunt Ursula lives is simply beguiling.' * ReadPlus *
'By balancing a thoroughly relatable central character in the middle of a see-saw of mind boggling absurdity and soul-crushing realism, Hall has created a novel that defies generic conventions.' * Stuff NZ *
`Readers will happily go along for the ride as Iris and Jordi combine method and adventure to solve these riddles. A quirky, cleareyed enchantment. More like this, please!' * Kirkus *
`This is a wonderful story of finding your true self (and true friends) in a foreign land.' * Readings, Best Middle Fiction of 2016 *
`Fantasy fans will delight in the wackiness, the surprising plot, and the family secrets revealed. Best of all is Iris' growing confidence amid the chaos.' * Booklist *
`There are lots of twists in this book and I never knew what was going to happen next...Recommended to anyone who likes magical adventure stories.' * Kookie Magazine *
