Elle

A beautiful enthralling read. In a world where the British Empire has continued, Adam discovers life, community, perception and imagination, all through his discovery of a mythical majestical creature, a Tyger.

This book should be on every library's wall, every bookshops recommended and every childs eventual reading list. The book supposedly took 9 years in the making, and I'm glad, as you can see each stroke of the key and pen as a decisive action by author and illustrator. Surely a classic to come.

Mix Bagheera, Aslan, The Golden Compass, William Blake's Tyger burning bright and add an extra dash of imagination, vulnerability and community and you receive the astounding Tyger by S.F. Said.

The descriptions of London in an alternate world feel realistic and troubling, as they should. An easy-to-read tale, with beautiful illustrations. A compelling read hard to put down! Too often childrens fiction has fit the idealised structures and guidelines of a western culture, S F Said, draws on his own roots and history and identity to create a wonderfully multi-faceted main character who is influenced by his family's Middle Eastern culture and roots, the afflictions caused by peoples assumptions and beliefs, societal structures and the damage and danger they can present. All whilst recommunicating that, at heart, we are all human, we all have a spark inside, what we do with that spark and our power in this world is what creates the characters we grow to become, and the impact that character can have on ourselves, our family, friends, strangers and even our world.

Perfect for fans of Asha & the Spirit Bird, The Last Bear and The Last Firefox! My favourite Children's read so far this year.

If I could rate a book 10 out of 10 I would for Rolfe's glorious, beautiful ‘Wolf and Bear'. Discussing feelings in a safe environment, this book aimed at young readers is a beautiful answer for those kids looking to understand their feelings, and how it's okay to not be happy all the time. Sometimes we are sad, sometimes we are angry, in the end, those who love us will always be there for us, and just outside the darkness. All we have to do is take the first step. Ahh Rolfe, beautifully poignant and an incredible resource for parents, children and carers as well. Delighted to have witnessed a true case of the ‘why adults should read children's books'. Ordering a second copy immediately for my Child Psychotherapist mother for her work! A strong contender for anyone looking to flesh out their library, whether personal, school, home or local.

“huh? How did I finish it so fast? When is the sequel?”.
Edgmon has crafted a great piece that explores queerness, trauma and pain, mental health, found family and morally grey characters. It intrigues me how brilliantly woven our MC's indigenous background is interwoven within the story and it features a strongly diverse cast, each with their own characteristics and personality. This book is a brilliant piece of escapism that takes you away from page one, right up to the last page and you go “huh? How did I finish it so fast? When is the sequel?”. Reincarnation of Gods, Morally grey characters, Enough stuff happening to someone they turn to Villainy? Urgh I loved it. I look forward to seeing where the author goes next. It is a book that is very of its time, and certain references were slightly jarring at time. Overall, certainly a piece I will be recommending to those teens who have felt out of place, misjudged, abused by peers, or obsessed with mythology. I guess... Younger me's...

“Oh, what memories can hold on us, as well as for us.”
This art is a reimagining of the Mother of horror, a Mother of classic storytelling, and her beginnings. This Gothic, Historical fiction piece is written in a way that (as a reader with some but not lots of knowledge in Mary Shelley's story) invokes moments of wondering where the line between fiction and fact truly lies. How much can we truly know from our history books and others accounts. The book works between two timelines, that are merely 4 years apart but feel worlds of character growth in between. With a constant longing, a consistent mystery, and a gorgeously mesmerising storyline, ‘Mary' is a delightful work of prose that discusses the origins of Shelley's famous ‘Frankenstein', and all that memories can hold on us as well as for us.

Absolutely mesmerising, a debut to watch and follow. Bear creates a compelling interwoven tapestry of sisterhood, familiar tales, differing perspectives and absolute heartache. I have been blown away. The Greek mythology realm has reams of tales about Medusa, and some of my favourite feminist reads showcase the inequality and unfairness between Athena/ Atheni's jealousy and temper to the innocence of Medusa, a mere mortal. Adapting the tale to showcase those affected by the tragedy and destruction opens doorways in so many ways.