I love middle grade novels and the magic and wonderment that a true coming of age reveals, and Iris and The Tiger was such a lovely and vivid read. Following the footsteps or twelve year old Iris, I loved discovering the magic that was the Bosque de Nubes in a mixture of Australian and Spanish culture. Although she's visiting on behalf of her scheming parents, it isn't long before Iris begins to understand that the sprawling estate isn't what it seems. I adored the interactive artwork. Surreal paintings by her late uncle that lived beyond the frame. It was a wonderfully diverse and quirky adventure of discovery that middle grade and primary school readers will adore.
The monotone illustrations were so incredibly charming, and I really enjoyed the easy friendship that connected both Iris and grounds resident in Jordi, who was a delight to read.
Iris and The Tiger was perfect for the younger middle grade audience through to preteens, but perhaps not so much for the adult audience. Although I enjoyed it overall, I didn't feel a connection with the storyline and couldn't invest emotionally in Iris' story. Children will marvel in the delights that the Bosque de Nubes holds, beautifully written and wonderful imagined for the young and young at heart.
