Book Review: Tyger by SF Said

Me and Miss T love to read together. A couple of years back, whilst she was shielding due to COVID, we read Varjak Paw together as it was the book they were reading in their English lessons at school with lots of school work built around it. 

It was a brilliant book and we loved it. Miss T then bought and read the sequel to Varjak Paw called Varjak Paw: the Outlaw - that was another brilliant book. 

So when we saw this beautiful book called Tyger by the same author, SF Said, we just knew we had to read it. Miss T read it first and kept telling me that it was an absolute 'must read' so I added it to my reading pile and as soon as I got the chance, I read it too. 

It actually wasn't at all what I expected and though beautifully and brilliantly written, just like Varjak Paw, it is a very different type of story in my opinion. 

I hope I don't give any spoilers here, but it seems to be set in a very different London to the one that we know and follows the story of a young boy, Adam Alhambra, as he helps his family business by making deliveries in what is essentially a segregated London. 

He meets a magical and mysterious creature - the Tyger - not like any tiger than you or I may know - as beautiful and stunning as tigers are, this Tyger truly is something created by the most incredible imagination and storytelling. 

Adam meets Zadie and together they end up helping the Tyger whilst at the same time the Tyger is saving them and their world. 

It really is a remarkable book, full of imagination and power, and with that gorgeous cover - it is a beautiful book both in it's writing and how it looks. 

Miss T says, "I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about adventures and amazing creatures." 

 

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Isle of Wight - Photo Diary

It was nearly 40 years ago that I last visited the Isle of Wight, so I was long overdue for a visit there. I recall the last time I was there, it was around the time that £1 coins had been introduced to replace £1 paper notes and people hadn't quite got to grips with it yet so I remember finding lots of pound coins everywhere we went as people would accidentally drop them out of their pockets and purses whilst not being used to them. 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the ferry crossing as it has been quite some time since I'd been on a ferry too. D was pleasantly surprised to find it was so straightforward in comparison to going abroad or having to go by airplane. No passports, no customs, no security checks. It was just a case of driving on when it was time, spending a short amount of time on the ferry crossing and then driving off again. Very simple and straightforward. 

The novelty of a ferry crossing

First stop, Quarr Abbey. So we knew we couldn't check in until a little later in the afternoon, so we stopped for a visit to Quarr Abbey which was close to where we were staying. It was free of charge to visit the grounds - it is done on a donation basis for visiting the abbey and there is a cafe there too. 

Quarr Abbey grounds

Quarr Abbey grounds

Piglet at Quarr Abbey

When we arrived at Bodwen Corner Cottage where we were staying, we received the warmest welcome with the loveliest welcome hamper we've ever had anywhere we've stayed along with flowers too. Not only did Peter show us around the cottage and tell us everything we needed to know, but as the bigger house - Bodwen - next to Bodwen Corner wasn't in use, he showed us around it. That house sleeps 14 and has quite an amazing history too. Bodwen Corner cottage, where we were staying, sleeps 6 and is just the most perfect holiday accomodation; every little thing has been thought of. 

What an amazing welcome hamper!

The main bedroom

The main bedroom had an en-suite shower room and there are 2 other bedrooms each with two single beds in. It meant J and D could each have their own room. One of the rooms had lots of children's toys and games in. Miss T was on her school trip (just up the road) so although she would have absolutely adored the cottage, she didn't get to see it. 

The owners have created a book about the history of Bodwen and the story of renovating it over the past decades.

We felt very lucky to literally have red squirrels on our doorstep where we were staying. One of the "jobs" for those staying in the cottage is to fill the squirrel feeder boxes with nuts each day. That way, we got to see plenty of these beautiful creatures. We soon started to recognise their individual characteristics and personalities. 

I seem to have a thing about fungi and think it is amazing!

So couldn't resist taking a photo of this massive fungus

The next day, we decided to visit the famous Needles. We knew we couldn't go on Wednesday as that is when Miss T's school would be visiting so we went on Tuesday instead. Miss T had no idea that we were on the Isle of Wight at the same time as her so we had to ensure we weren't spotted! 

The Needles

The Needles

Rather than the slow boat, we decided to do the RIB speed boat to see the Needles

Whilst I often feel sea sick on boats - I actually love RIB speed boats! We love the Thames Rocket ones in London and I loved this one too.

There are certain beaches around the Isle of Wight that are supposed to be good for fossil hunting. I have no idea if we managed to find any but we had fun trying. 

Some of the red squirrels still had their winter ear tufts. Aren't they just gorgeous!

Another important task for anyone staying in Bodwen Corner Cottage is to feed Mr and Mrs Duck. Mr Duck turned up everyday for his duck food. 

Mr Duck

A picture postcard perfect place to stay!

Richard enjoyed feeding Mr Duck each day.

Lunch in Ryde

After a couple of days, Mrs Duck made an appearance too. She was bolder than Mr Duck. 

The Bonchurch landslip seems to have developed it's own microclimate - It felt almost jungle-like there. 

We headed to Ventnor for lunch that day and before we knew it our few days in the Isle of Wight were over. 

We were up early on Friday morning to get the ferry back before the school kids got their ferry. They actually managed to squeeze us on as the last car onto the ferry before the one that we were booked onto so we got back earlier than expected. 

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