Iris 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."—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.