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Iris and the Tiger

Iris and the Tiger

Leanne Hall

  • awardShortlisted, Young Australians Best Book Awards: Fiction for Older Readers, 2018
  • awardLonglisted, Foreword Reviews, Indie Finalist, United States, 2016
  • awardShortlisted, Australian Book Design Awards, Children's Fiction, 2017
  • awardWinner, NSW Premier's Literary Award: The Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature, 2017
  • 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 and Andrew McDonald

    Andrew McDonald and Leanne Hall dressed up for the launch of Iris and the Tiger at Readings Carlton.

    Read the warm and hilarious launch speech by Andrew McDonald.

    INTERVIEWS

    Text blog
    My Best Friends Are Books blog
    The Kids’ Bookshop (guest blog)

    Leanne Hall
    About the Author

    Leanne Hall is an author of young adult and children’s fiction. Her debut novel, This Is Shyness, won the Text Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Writing, and was followed by a sequel, Queen of the Night. Her novel for younger readers, Iris and the Tiger, won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature at the 2017 NSW Premier’s...

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    Extent:
    240pp
    Format:
    Paperback
    Text publication date:
    27 January 2016
    ISBN:
    9781925240795
    AU Price:
    $16.99
    NZ Price:
    $21.00
    Themes:
    friendship, family and legacy, art, surrealism and creativity, cross-cultural identity, adolescence, magic and imagination
    Reading age:
    9+
    Australian
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    Praise for Leanne Hall
    andIris and the Tiger

    ‘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.’

    ‘Reminiscent of Elizabeth Goudge’s classic The Little White Horse, full of mystery and an enchanting sense of elsewhere.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘Iris and the Tiger has all the hallmarks of a classic children’s novel…A great adventure novel’

    ‘Younger (and not-so-young) readers will delight in this marvellously original tale, with its clever plot and wealth of imaginative ideas…An utterly enchanting book.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘Leanne Hall’s charming adventure story for younger readers takes classic tropes of children’s literature and gives them a surprising twist.’

    ‘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.’

    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.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘Full of surprises and unexpected turnings.’

    ‘Special, and confusing, wonderous and odd…A thoroughly enjoyable, perfectly strange book.’

    ‘Enchanting…Bound to appeal to tweens glimpsing the excitement of growing up.’

    ‘The writing flows so naturally that you are easily taken along on this journey with Iris…This is a book that just keeps giving.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘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!’

    ‘This is a wonderful story of finding your true self (and true friends) in a foreign land.’

    ‘Inspired by surrealist art, Leanne Hall’s book is full of wondrous details…This is magic realism translated for a middle primary audience.’

    ‘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.’

    ‘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.’

    Other editions ofIris and the Tiger
    • Iris and the Tiger
      ebook
      ISBN: 9781922253453
      27 January 2016
      Buy ebook