TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

Tiger Heart is a tale of adversity and hope. Young Fly is a chimney sweep in late 19th century London. While cleaning the chimney at the local menagerie, she lands in the pen of a man-eating tiger. She philosophically thinks this will be her end, but is very surprised to find that not only can she understand him when he talks to her, but he believes her to be a princess. Together they escape and Fly promises to return him and his fellow animals to their own land. First, she has to go back to her own captor. The chimney sweep boss Black Bill, beats and starves her and she’s had enough. But being a foundling, she cherishes the one thing that was left in her basket when she was abandoned, a black box.

Fly is helped in her endeavours by her street friends and together they manage to dodge the evil grasp of ‘the fat man.’ He is obsessed with the ruby that sits in the black box that only Fly can open. Its powers have led to many wars and deaths in the tiger’s homeland. A homeland that Fly is told is actually her own. Her father and uncle fought over the ruby and her uncle won, becoming a ruler despised by all.

Fly has many trials and tribulations to overcome but she must believe in herself first. Is she really the daughter of a deposed king? Will she ever get away from the fat man? And what should she do with the ruby?

Penny Chrimes has captured the language of the London urchins of this era perfectly. Fly’s words are colourful and descriptive in a way that immediately transports you to her world. (Check out the vocabulary dictionary at the end of the book) The tiger is wise and loyal and guides Fly through all her difficulties. It is a story if overcoming cruelty and unfairness but also of knowing when to let go of something you hold precious.

For Ages: 8-12 years

Number of Pages: 249 in paperback.

Published: January 2020

Themes: Displaced people, bravery, ingenuity and compassion.

Rating: 4/5

I wish: I had a tiger to talk to.