Tyger - by Sf Said

About the Book

In a version of London where the British Empire still exists, Adam and his new friend Zadie join forces to save a magical animal's life and, ultimately, their own world from destruction.

Book Synopsis

2023 British Book Awards Children's Fiction Book of the Year

From award-winning author SF Said comes a compelling middle-grade alternate history novel about a world on the brink of destruction and the magical animal that just might be able to save it--for fans of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series.

"There are three doors that I may show you. You will find a different kind of power behind each one..."

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?

With stunning black-and-white illustrations from award-winning illustrator Dave McKean, this compelling and thoughtful story is set in an alternate world where the British Empire still exists.

Review Quotes

"McKean's deeply evocative, postmodern illustrations further enhance the reading experience. Said has created an amazing fantasy that will change its readers. A must-buy for all libraries"--Booklist, starred review

About the Author

SF Said (he/him) is a British Muslim author of Middle Eastern background who was born in Beirut and grew up in London's Iraqi diasporic community. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he worked as a press attaché and speech writer for the Crown Prince of Jordan's office in London. He began a PhD in 1997 looking at the lives of young Muslims in Britain but left academia to focus on film journalism for the Daily Telegraph--where he brought attention to world cinema, including contemporary Islamic cinema--and writing for children. Visit him at www.sfsaid.com.

Dave McKean (he/him) is a multi-award-winning illustrator who has designed an incredible number of award-winning and ground-breaking books, collaborating with world-famous names in literature such as Neil Gaiman (Coraline), David Almond (Mouse Bird Snake Wolf), Richard Dawkins, and Ray Bradbury. He has also worked as a concept artist on films such as Harry Potter. Visit him on Instagram @davemckeanhourglass.