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Tiger Days #1
The Secret Cat (Tiger Days)
Meet animal lover, Tiger Days! A brand-new young fiction series about animals, friendship and adventure by bestselling author Sarah Lean. Beautiful black-and-white illustrations throughout. When nine-year-old Tiger Days stays with her grandmother at Willowgate House she never knows what might happen… new friends to meet, animals to rescue and problems to solve! Tiger’s grandmother looks after animals in need, and when Tiger comes to stay she quickly learns how to feed a baby warthog and keep it safe. Tiger already has her hands full when a mysterious sound leads her to another little animal… At Willowgate House, no day is ever dull for Tiger!
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2016
9 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lean
23 books114 followersMy fascination with animals began when I was aged 8 and a stray cat walked in the back door and decided to adopt me. As a child, I wanted to be a writer and used to dictate stories to my mother, but eventually I bought a laptop and decided I could type them myself. I live in Dorset and share the space around my desk with two dogs, Harry and Coco. MA in Creative and Critical Writing from University of Winchester.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 10, 2016
Tiger is going to stay with her Gran whose name is May Days. Tiger is a little nervous about it, but when a zoo keeper friend of Gran’s drops by with a baby warthog to look after, Tiger begins to settle in. Before long she and a boy from next door (staying with his grandfather) are best of friends. Gran has given them the important job of naming and then training the warthog, helping with her feeding etc.
All the while as Tiger settles in, a white cat is watching on. Can you train a cat too?
Tiger names the baby Monday and the white cat Holly. Monday is soon is very attached to Tiger and follows her everywhere. But what will happen when the zookeeper comes back?
This is the first in a sweet series for young animal lovers. Black and white illustrations and footprints are scattered throughout the story.
All the while as Tiger settles in, a white cat is watching on. Can you train a cat too?
Tiger names the baby Monday and the white cat Holly. Monday is soon is very attached to Tiger and follows her everywhere. But what will happen when the zookeeper comes back?
This is the first in a sweet series for young animal lovers. Black and white illustrations and footprints are scattered throughout the story.
July 18, 2025
This is a sweet, short book about a girl called Tiger Days who goes to stay with her grandmother in Willowgate House. She meets a new friend called Tom, learns to look after an orphaned warthog and discovers a cat hiding out in the old house lift.
I am somewhat disappointed that this book didn't focus as much on Holly (the cat) as Monday (the warthog) but enjoyed it nonetheless. Tiger as a protagonist is quite unlikeable and bratty at times, but endearing and caring at others, so it's a mixed bag of a read. I found her first meeting with Tom to be a little rushed and unrealistic - but their friendship was sweet.
I did like that this book made me think of the Animal Ark series of books. Tiger has a ways to go before being dedicated to any and all animals besides her beloved tigers, but I hope she'll get there, as her initial attitude towards poor little Monday was very frustrating. I also thought the "Staring Oat" sub plot was very odd. I'm still not entirely sure if it was intended to be a real creature or just a spooky rumour.
Hoping that I'll enjoy the next book a little more now that the characters, setting and vibes have been established. I'm rating it 2* mainly as I did feel a bit underwhelmed overall by the writing, pacing and general story, but still enjoyed it. Just doesn't feel like it's a 3*. The illustrations were lovely though.
I am somewhat disappointed that this book didn't focus as much on Holly (the cat) as Monday (the warthog) but enjoyed it nonetheless. Tiger as a protagonist is quite unlikeable and bratty at times, but endearing and caring at others, so it's a mixed bag of a read. I found her first meeting with Tom to be a little rushed and unrealistic - but their friendship was sweet.
I did like that this book made me think of the Animal Ark series of books. Tiger has a ways to go before being dedicated to any and all animals besides her beloved tigers, but I hope she'll get there, as her initial attitude towards poor little Monday was very frustrating. I also thought the "Staring Oat" sub plot was very odd. I'm still not entirely sure if it was intended to be a real creature or just a spooky rumour.
Hoping that I'll enjoy the next book a little more now that the characters, setting and vibes have been established. I'm rating it 2* mainly as I did feel a bit underwhelmed overall by the writing, pacing and general story, but still enjoyed it. Just doesn't feel like it's a 3*. The illustrations were lovely though.
June 20, 2017
Tiger Days by Sarah Lean isn't about a real tiger.
I did enjoy this book although it did not charm me the way some do. Still it had some great moments.
Tiger is a little girl who goes to visit her globetrotting grandmother who trains animals. She is introduced to a baby warthog who needs to be "mothered" having lost his mum. He is quite the scamp and leads Tiger and her friend on merry romps. Thankfully, there is a cat to keep children and wartie in line. Speaking as a cat myself, we are necessary for training humans.
When it is time for the wartie to be introduced to a warthog family, it is also time for Tiger to go home. But it is clear she will return for future adventures.
I give this nine purrs and two paws up.
I did enjoy this book although it did not charm me the way some do. Still it had some great moments.
Tiger is a little girl who goes to visit her globetrotting grandmother who trains animals. She is introduced to a baby warthog who needs to be "mothered" having lost his mum. He is quite the scamp and leads Tiger and her friend on merry romps. Thankfully, there is a cat to keep children and wartie in line. Speaking as a cat myself, we are necessary for training humans.
When it is time for the wartie to be introduced to a warthog family, it is also time for Tiger to go home. But it is clear she will return for future adventures.
I give this nine purrs and two paws up.
September 5, 2017
This is a great choice for young advanced readers.
August 12, 2018
Simple story, too "young" to satisfy me.
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October 9, 2019An easy fun book to read. Really good. Recommend it to a lot of people.
October 12, 2025
good, but nor my favorite.
June 22, 2016
Full review now up on my blog: http://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/...
As her name suggests, Tiger Days loves tigers - hands down, they're her favourite animal. Luckily for Tiger, her grandma looks after animals in need. In the holidays, Tiger goes to stay with her grandma at old, rambling, falling-down Willowgate House. During her time at Willowgate, Tiger learns to love and care for an orphaned baby warthog that comes to stay. Along with her new-found friend Tom, the two children gradually learn to become animal trainers.
Above all else. this is a really sweet story about family, friendship, and being brave. It's written incredibly well - no one aspect of the book overshadows the others, and it's engaging enough to keep younger readers entertained while also being sufficiently interesting for older readers. Tiger's growing friendship with Tom and the way she gradually gets to know her grandma better are really lovely to read about.
However, it's her relationship with the animals that really sets this story apart. Throughout the book, Tiger's attitude to animals, particularly the baby warthog, changes drastically. She starts off being almost repulsed by the warthog, before slowly coming to accept it. The passage where she gives it a name and the reason she gives for the name she chooses is incredibly touching, reaching a level of maturity many books for adults would struggle to achieve.
A brilliant start to the Tiger Days series, I'm looking forward to reading about Tiger's next adventure!
As her name suggests, Tiger Days loves tigers - hands down, they're her favourite animal. Luckily for Tiger, her grandma looks after animals in need. In the holidays, Tiger goes to stay with her grandma at old, rambling, falling-down Willowgate House. During her time at Willowgate, Tiger learns to love and care for an orphaned baby warthog that comes to stay. Along with her new-found friend Tom, the two children gradually learn to become animal trainers.
Above all else. this is a really sweet story about family, friendship, and being brave. It's written incredibly well - no one aspect of the book overshadows the others, and it's engaging enough to keep younger readers entertained while also being sufficiently interesting for older readers. Tiger's growing friendship with Tom and the way she gradually gets to know her grandma better are really lovely to read about.
However, it's her relationship with the animals that really sets this story apart. Throughout the book, Tiger's attitude to animals, particularly the baby warthog, changes drastically. She starts off being almost repulsed by the warthog, before slowly coming to accept it. The passage where she gives it a name and the reason she gives for the name she chooses is incredibly touching, reaching a level of maturity many books for adults would struggle to achieve.
A brilliant start to the Tiger Days series, I'm looking forward to reading about Tiger's next adventure!
April 22, 2017
Tiger Days is incredibly fond of her grandmother. Grandma, May Days, has bought a new home, Willowgate House and Tiger is staying with her for a while. Willowgate House brings a lot of new adventures. There's a lovely white cat, a warthog to take care of and Tiger meets Tom, whose grandfather lives next door to her grandmother. Tiger's days are never boring, what will she discover during her first visit at Willowgate House?
Tiger is a curious girl. She loves to explore, she is fond of animals and she easily makes new friends. She has a wonderful bond with her grandmother and every day there's something else she should investigate. Sarah Lean combines charming and amusing writing with a warm and welcoming story. Tiger is a fun main character and I loved reading about her stay with her grandmother.
Tiger Days and the Secret Cat is filled with beautiful drawings, which enhance the magic of the story. I love how sweet it is and think every animal loving girl would like this story very much. I really enjoyed reading this first Tiger Days story and think Sarah Lean's series has a delightful strong beginning.
Tiger is a curious girl. She loves to explore, she is fond of animals and she easily makes new friends. She has a wonderful bond with her grandmother and every day there's something else she should investigate. Sarah Lean combines charming and amusing writing with a warm and welcoming story. Tiger is a fun main character and I loved reading about her stay with her grandmother.
Tiger Days and the Secret Cat is filled with beautiful drawings, which enhance the magic of the story. I love how sweet it is and think every animal loving girl would like this story very much. I really enjoyed reading this first Tiger Days story and think Sarah Lean's series has a delightful strong beginning.
March 20, 2022
Firstly this book is for third-graders or younger. Secondly, this book is not about a secret cat AT ALL. It is about a girl called Tiger Days who find bravery in everyday life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews