Tyger by SF Said

Published by DFB
Ages 9 upwards

'You must open the doors of perception, and go through to the other side.' 

Tyger is a beautiful, poignant story about empathy and equality, creativity and potential. This story is set in an alternate, dystopian London within a British Empire where classes and races are segregated and animals are nearly completely extinct. Adam and Sadie find a wise, other-worldly Tyger who encourages them to see themselves and the world beyond what they are living in. 

I adored the references to William Blake both in actual words and in the physical animals of the lamb and tyger. The book reminds me of Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman and The Giver by Lois Lowry and joins them in being unforgettable. 

The bold, timeless illustrations by Dave McKean add to the themes of art and history. I love the Tyger swimming in the water.

At the heart of this story for me and what I loved, is the message, power of imagination:

'You can see possibilities, and turn them into realities.' The Tyger represents Hope. Burning bright. 

I believe this is a text that will be studied in schools in the future.