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Lizard's Tale
It’s Singapore in 1940, war is just around the corner—but twelve-year-old Lizard doesn’t know that. He lives in Chinatown above a tailor’s shop, surviving on his wits and hustling for odd jobs.
When he steals a small teak box containing a Japanese code book from a Raffles Hotel suite, he finds himself in a dangerous world of wartime espionage. Lizard doesn’t know who to trust. How is the mysterious book inside the box connected to his friend Lili, a girl full of secrets and fighting skills? Can he trust her, or will she betray him in the end?
When he steals a small teak box containing a Japanese code book from a Raffles Hotel suite, he finds himself in a dangerous world of wartime espionage. Lizard doesn’t know who to trust. How is the mysterious book inside the box connected to his friend Lili, a girl full of secrets and fighting skills? Can he trust her, or will she betray him in the end?
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 18, 2020
Weng Wai Chan paints a picture of Singapore in 1940 that is as richly detailed as the magnificent cover-art on this middle grade tale of espionage and adventure.
For two years Lizard has been fending for himself in Singapore, since his beloved Uncle Archie went out on business one day from their Changi stilt-house and didn't come back. With the help of his friend Lili, he's established a new home of sorts in a cubicle above her father's tailorshop, and has found a place in school. To make the money he needs to pay rent and buy food, Lizard writes the odd letter and also does a bit of petty crime, mainly for Boss Man Beng. His latest job could earn him $100 - a veritable fortune. All he has to do is to steal a teak box from a suite at Raffles Hotel, and bring it to Boss Man Beng underneath the Singapore Railway Station clock at 10pm. Not even one minute late, or there could be deadly consequences!
Well, not everything goes to plan, but Lizard and Lili are resourceful kids. They're determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of the teak box. Along the way they uncover a number of big secrets, find out that they each have skills the other didn't know about, and play a part in averting Japanese invasion!
Although the protagonists are children (around 12, I think) the story is sophisticated enough to appeal to older readers and even adults. Chapters are reasonably short and have a distinct episodic feel that lends itself to reading in chunks (if you can resist reading through to the end just to find out what happens!). What I liked most about this book though was the vision of Singapore in 1940 - the author delivers the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the city so vividly. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read and review.
For two years Lizard has been fending for himself in Singapore, since his beloved Uncle Archie went out on business one day from their Changi stilt-house and didn't come back. With the help of his friend Lili, he's established a new home of sorts in a cubicle above her father's tailorshop, and has found a place in school. To make the money he needs to pay rent and buy food, Lizard writes the odd letter and also does a bit of petty crime, mainly for Boss Man Beng. His latest job could earn him $100 - a veritable fortune. All he has to do is to steal a teak box from a suite at Raffles Hotel, and bring it to Boss Man Beng underneath the Singapore Railway Station clock at 10pm. Not even one minute late, or there could be deadly consequences!
Well, not everything goes to plan, but Lizard and Lili are resourceful kids. They're determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of the teak box. Along the way they uncover a number of big secrets, find out that they each have skills the other didn't know about, and play a part in averting Japanese invasion!
Although the protagonists are children (around 12, I think) the story is sophisticated enough to appeal to older readers and even adults. Chapters are reasonably short and have a distinct episodic feel that lends itself to reading in chunks (if you can resist reading through to the end just to find out what happens!). What I liked most about this book though was the vision of Singapore in 1940 - the author delivers the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the city so vividly. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read and review.
February 13, 2020
Set in pre-war Singapore during the British colonization, Weng Wai Chan takes us to a time period where everyone is starting to feel the stress over the possibility of war with Japan and their potential invasion. Lizard’s Tale is primarily about a Japanese Navy code book the British are trying to get hold of and that the Japanese are trying to get back.
At the beginning of the story we find that Lizard (his initials are LZD) has been hired to steal a teak box from the general manager of the New British East India Company. He had been warned that this box is dangerous and could get his boss and him killed, which soon after comes true when the person who hired him is murdered before Lizard can deliver the box. Soon after Lizard finds himself in the world of spies and rescue attempts as Lizard tries to figure out what to do with this box.
I am so glad I got a chance to read this book. Besides being a delightful story, what this book offers young and old readers is the chance to learn a little history and and potentially learn more about other cultures. The author does a really good job of creating a setting that feels very authentic to the location, period, and characters within the book. By weaving in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese words, phrases, and sayings we are given the opportunity to feel immersed in this land during this period of history. Not to mention insights into the culture or era when the author shows us how those who have multiracial parentage might have been treated, along with providing us with Singapore citizen’s sense of fear of a potential Japanese invasion and how different citizen's may have felt about British colonization.
The events in the story are fictional, however, the Author’s Note section at the end of the book tells how there were indeed spies on both sides collecting information prior to the Bombing of Singapore on December 8, 1941 and that some of the characters and locations are inspired from historical figures or places.
There is also a glossary at the end for the words/phrases used during the story.
Due to a murder and death scene near the beginning of the book that includes a weapon and blood and because younger readers may have trouble with the new words/phrases being introduced I am recommending this more for the older middle graders audience.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
At the beginning of the story we find that Lizard (his initials are LZD) has been hired to steal a teak box from the general manager of the New British East India Company. He had been warned that this box is dangerous and could get his boss and him killed, which soon after comes true when the person who hired him is murdered before Lizard can deliver the box. Soon after Lizard finds himself in the world of spies and rescue attempts as Lizard tries to figure out what to do with this box.
I am so glad I got a chance to read this book. Besides being a delightful story, what this book offers young and old readers is the chance to learn a little history and and potentially learn more about other cultures. The author does a really good job of creating a setting that feels very authentic to the location, period, and characters within the book. By weaving in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese words, phrases, and sayings we are given the opportunity to feel immersed in this land during this period of history. Not to mention insights into the culture or era when the author shows us how those who have multiracial parentage might have been treated, along with providing us with Singapore citizen’s sense of fear of a potential Japanese invasion and how different citizen's may have felt about British colonization.
The events in the story are fictional, however, the Author’s Note section at the end of the book tells how there were indeed spies on both sides collecting information prior to the Bombing of Singapore on December 8, 1941 and that some of the characters and locations are inspired from historical figures or places.
There is also a glossary at the end for the words/phrases used during the story.
Due to a murder and death scene near the beginning of the book that includes a weapon and blood and because younger readers may have trouble with the new words/phrases being introduced I am recommending this more for the older middle graders audience.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
March 5, 2020
“‘You dirty animal!’ he snarled, grabbing Lizard by his shirt front. He shook Lizard until the little bones in his ears rattled. Lizard was terrified. He knew this man could snap his neck as easily as a used satay stick if he wanted to, and he was pretty sure he wanted to.”
Lizard’s Tale is the first novel for younger readers by Singapore-born New Zealand author, Weng Wai Chan. Since his Uncle Archie failed to return from a city trip two years ago, twelve-year-old Lizard has been fending for himself. He quit their house in Changi and came to the city to find his Uncle, surviving on his wits until tailor’s daughter, Lili Mak got him a place to live above their shop, and they became best friends. Now he goes to the Mission School, does errands for petty criminal, Boss Man Beng, and makes a little money on the side writing letters in Chinese.
Beng’s latest assignment promises to pay well, and when Lizard is caught in the act of stealing a plain teak box from a suite at the Raffles Hotel by the spoiled and very bored daughter of the GM of the New British East India Company, he cleverly manages to talk his way out. But the box is clearly unlucky: when he goes to hand it over to the boss, Beng has been brutally murdered.
“The box haunted Lizard. Since it had come into his life, just a few hours ago, he had been caught stealing, been beaten up, seen Boss Man Beng murdered and made Lili mad at him. Lizard feared the box, but he also burned with curiosity. What was the book, and what was it for? And could it have something to do with his uncle’s disappearance?”
Lili Mak is one of a select group of schoolgirls who have been training under the Maximum Operations Enterprise as spies for the British Empire, and she is selected for an important mission at the Raffles Hotel observing a certain GM, because who ever notices a girl? She’s very surprised to see Lizard there in the suite, and even more surprised to see that he has a certain missing teak box. Quickly, however, the situation escalates with a theft and a kidnapping.
There’s plenty of action in this 1940 adventure tale with Japanese spies, miniature cameras, lock-picking, code books and secret messages. Young readers will delight in these clever and resourceful young individuals, as well as being amused by some of the silly character names: Fatty Dim Sum, Brylcreem, Buck Tooth. Chan also inserts a few messages about xenophobia, imperialist practices, nationalism and the cruelties of war, and of course friendship and loyalty.
Chan easily evokes Singapore of the era, the noise and crowding, the cosmopolitan feel and the attitudes of the residents of the city, and the underlying threat of invasion. It may be aimed at younger readers, but adults may well find this an atmospheric and entertaining read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing
Lizard’s Tale is the first novel for younger readers by Singapore-born New Zealand author, Weng Wai Chan. Since his Uncle Archie failed to return from a city trip two years ago, twelve-year-old Lizard has been fending for himself. He quit their house in Changi and came to the city to find his Uncle, surviving on his wits until tailor’s daughter, Lili Mak got him a place to live above their shop, and they became best friends. Now he goes to the Mission School, does errands for petty criminal, Boss Man Beng, and makes a little money on the side writing letters in Chinese.
Beng’s latest assignment promises to pay well, and when Lizard is caught in the act of stealing a plain teak box from a suite at the Raffles Hotel by the spoiled and very bored daughter of the GM of the New British East India Company, he cleverly manages to talk his way out. But the box is clearly unlucky: when he goes to hand it over to the boss, Beng has been brutally murdered.
“The box haunted Lizard. Since it had come into his life, just a few hours ago, he had been caught stealing, been beaten up, seen Boss Man Beng murdered and made Lili mad at him. Lizard feared the box, but he also burned with curiosity. What was the book, and what was it for? And could it have something to do with his uncle’s disappearance?”
Lili Mak is one of a select group of schoolgirls who have been training under the Maximum Operations Enterprise as spies for the British Empire, and she is selected for an important mission at the Raffles Hotel observing a certain GM, because who ever notices a girl? She’s very surprised to see Lizard there in the suite, and even more surprised to see that he has a certain missing teak box. Quickly, however, the situation escalates with a theft and a kidnapping.
There’s plenty of action in this 1940 adventure tale with Japanese spies, miniature cameras, lock-picking, code books and secret messages. Young readers will delight in these clever and resourceful young individuals, as well as being amused by some of the silly character names: Fatty Dim Sum, Brylcreem, Buck Tooth. Chan also inserts a few messages about xenophobia, imperialist practices, nationalism and the cruelties of war, and of course friendship and loyalty.
Chan easily evokes Singapore of the era, the noise and crowding, the cosmopolitan feel and the attitudes of the residents of the city, and the underlying threat of invasion. It may be aimed at younger readers, but adults may well find this an atmospheric and entertaining read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing
May 10, 2020
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
4.5 stars, rounded to 5
Lizard’s Tale is vibrant and unforgettable. Even though at first, it was a bit hard to get into it (because life was so hard for the characters!) and I had put the book on hold, after I sat down with it another time, I could not peel myself away from the page and finished it within one evening. It’s such a page-turner – full of action, colorful, emotional, and with lovely characters. Spies! Butt-kicking urchins! Secret service ladies! It was amazing – Lizard’s Tale definitely didn’t disappoint.
Here's the full review:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/lizards-...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
4.5 stars, rounded to 5
Lizard’s Tale is vibrant and unforgettable. Even though at first, it was a bit hard to get into it (because life was so hard for the characters!) and I had put the book on hold, after I sat down with it another time, I could not peel myself away from the page and finished it within one evening. It’s such a page-turner – full of action, colorful, emotional, and with lovely characters. Spies! Butt-kicking urchins! Secret service ladies! It was amazing – Lizard’s Tale definitely didn’t disappoint.
Here's the full review:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/lizards-...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
May 4, 2020
Mystery, espionage, and the Raffles Hotel in the early 1940's. The setting of this book is unusual and exotic. There are so many things I love about it and I think middle grade readers will as well. Lizard is living by his wits and searching for his missing uncle. He gets an opportunity that is too good to be true and finds himself in the middle of an international incident. The story takes many twists and turns with kids playing key roles in the action. The author used family history as well as historical figures to bring this era to life. I hope we will see more books from her.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
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February 20, 2024‘I loved this WWII spy story laced with wit, humour and thrilling escapes.’
Leanne Hall
‘The heady tropical environment and cultural melting pot of Singapore is brought vividly to life in this thrilling historical adventure, and the political and social complexities of wartime Singapore are handled with clarity and care for a young audience.’
Readings
‘[A] sparkling story of child spies and international intrigue… a delight.’
Wall Street Journal
'In addition to its strong pacing, intriguing mystery, and humorous elements, Chan’s debut is packed with underlying themes of belonging, prejudice, and empowerment… An action-packed adventure with wide appeal.’
Kirkus
‘A thrilling story of wartime espionage set in 1940s Singapore. Lizard's Tale is an action-packed adventure for middle-grade readers.’
RNZ
Leanne Hall
‘The heady tropical environment and cultural melting pot of Singapore is brought vividly to life in this thrilling historical adventure, and the political and social complexities of wartime Singapore are handled with clarity and care for a young audience.’
Readings
‘[A] sparkling story of child spies and international intrigue… a delight.’
Wall Street Journal
'In addition to its strong pacing, intriguing mystery, and humorous elements, Chan’s debut is packed with underlying themes of belonging, prejudice, and empowerment… An action-packed adventure with wide appeal.’
Kirkus
‘A thrilling story of wartime espionage set in 1940s Singapore. Lizard's Tale is an action-packed adventure for middle-grade readers.’
RNZ
December 2, 2019
I really liked this totally mad novel, set in pre-war Singapore. Chan did a wonderful job of really painting a picture of historical Singapore, I could visualise it all so easily. The book is Middle Grade, but I felt like the language was complex enough, and the story entertaining enough, that it could appeal to just about any age.
The two children, Lizard and Lili, were both equally captivating, and you couldn't help but feel scared for them at times. Their story takes a few unexpected twists and turns, which were occasionally implausible, but added to the fun nature of the novel. A great little tale, full of friendship, curry puffs and espionage.
The two children, Lizard and Lili, were both equally captivating, and you couldn't help but feel scared for them at times. Their story takes a few unexpected twists and turns, which were occasionally implausible, but added to the fun nature of the novel. A great little tale, full of friendship, curry puffs and espionage.
June 11, 2022
Lizard’s Tale is an espionage adventure set in Singapore on the cusp of World War II when the Japanese and the British are jostling for power on the Malay peninsula
Left to fend for himself since his beloved Uncle Archie went missing, Lizard makes a meagre living writing letters and running errands for Boss Man Beng. One particular errand leaves him standing outside Raffles Hotel in the dark waiting to steal a small teak box…except that he’s not the only one who wants it. Lizard soon finds himself in a race to stop the box falling into the wrong hands, helped by his friend Lili who has a few unexpected skills of her own
This Middlegrade fiction book won the New Zealand book award for children in 2020. Lizard’s Tale is a fast-paced scramble through the streets of Singapore with the kids besting the adults at every turn. It cleverly captures the political and colonial tensions of the time in a way that makes it entirely understandable for young readers without making it seem like homework. Not only that but it’s chock full of foodie references and I found myself googling recipes for curry puffs at 1am 🧡💫
Thank you so much to the author for my #gifted copy and for sharing Lizard’s story with me
Left to fend for himself since his beloved Uncle Archie went missing, Lizard makes a meagre living writing letters and running errands for Boss Man Beng. One particular errand leaves him standing outside Raffles Hotel in the dark waiting to steal a small teak box…except that he’s not the only one who wants it. Lizard soon finds himself in a race to stop the box falling into the wrong hands, helped by his friend Lili who has a few unexpected skills of her own
This Middlegrade fiction book won the New Zealand book award for children in 2020. Lizard’s Tale is a fast-paced scramble through the streets of Singapore with the kids besting the adults at every turn. It cleverly captures the political and colonial tensions of the time in a way that makes it entirely understandable for young readers without making it seem like homework. Not only that but it’s chock full of foodie references and I found myself googling recipes for curry puffs at 1am 🧡💫
Thank you so much to the author for my #gifted copy and for sharing Lizard’s story with me
August 6, 2019
Sebastian Whitford Jones checked into the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, within his room a code book hidden from the Japanese military. The British Empire now occupy Singapore, the colonisation of a country affluent in tradition but for twelve year old Lizard, he's just looking to survive.
Since his Uncle Archie left for the city two years ago and never returned, Lizard has been living in a small cubicle above the local tailors store in little Chinatown, owned by the family of best friend Lili. With his English and Chinese ancestry and ability to speak and write in English, Lizard earns his meagre wages from letter writing, illegal should he be caught. Working for Boss Man is proving more lucrative when Lizard is promised a large payment to steal a secret teak box from the Raffles Hotel, what Lizard didn't count on was Georgina Whitford Jones being in the hotel suite and catching him red handed. Suddenly Lizard is stuck with the stolen box, a girl who threatens to expose his thievery and a best friend living a secret life as an operative in training for the British Empire.
Lizard's Tale is a delightfully entertaining, historical story set within Singapore shortly before WWII. The narrative follows twelve year old biracial Lizard, living alone without a guardian since his uncle disappeared two years ago. With his blue eyes and British accent, Lizard is seen as a lowly caste among the Chinese population and unable to associate with his best friend Lili, seen as being beneath her. Although his money is good enough for Lili's family, Lizard renting a small makeshift cubicle above the family's tailor store in Chinatown, along with several other renters sharing the partitioned space. What begun as a faceless crime to secure his short term future turns deadly, the teak box Lizard steals from the hotel is at the centre of the conflict between the British and Japanese and their fight to occupy Singapore, in the wrong hands could spell disaster.
The one constant in Lizard's life is best friend Lili, she cares for Lizard despite her family's prejudice towards those who are biracial but as close as Lili and Lizard are, Lili hides a secret that may endanger them both. In a Singapore where women are underestimated by society and simply blend into their surroundings, the British Empire train young women in espionage. I love narratives with young women thriving in what are considered make dominated positions and Lili is a wonderful character.
It was incredibly atmospheric, the oppressive humidity of Singapore, the heavenly scent of Chinese and Indian inspired cooking throughout the alleyways, the British accented dialogue drifting from the doorways of international hotels.
Adventurous and enchanting, exploring colonisation, wartime and the changing multiculturalism of Singapore during the forties, Lizard's Tale is spirited and utterly delightful.
Since his Uncle Archie left for the city two years ago and never returned, Lizard has been living in a small cubicle above the local tailors store in little Chinatown, owned by the family of best friend Lili. With his English and Chinese ancestry and ability to speak and write in English, Lizard earns his meagre wages from letter writing, illegal should he be caught. Working for Boss Man is proving more lucrative when Lizard is promised a large payment to steal a secret teak box from the Raffles Hotel, what Lizard didn't count on was Georgina Whitford Jones being in the hotel suite and catching him red handed. Suddenly Lizard is stuck with the stolen box, a girl who threatens to expose his thievery and a best friend living a secret life as an operative in training for the British Empire.
Lizard's Tale is a delightfully entertaining, historical story set within Singapore shortly before WWII. The narrative follows twelve year old biracial Lizard, living alone without a guardian since his uncle disappeared two years ago. With his blue eyes and British accent, Lizard is seen as a lowly caste among the Chinese population and unable to associate with his best friend Lili, seen as being beneath her. Although his money is good enough for Lili's family, Lizard renting a small makeshift cubicle above the family's tailor store in Chinatown, along with several other renters sharing the partitioned space. What begun as a faceless crime to secure his short term future turns deadly, the teak box Lizard steals from the hotel is at the centre of the conflict between the British and Japanese and their fight to occupy Singapore, in the wrong hands could spell disaster.
The one constant in Lizard's life is best friend Lili, she cares for Lizard despite her family's prejudice towards those who are biracial but as close as Lili and Lizard are, Lili hides a secret that may endanger them both. In a Singapore where women are underestimated by society and simply blend into their surroundings, the British Empire train young women in espionage. I love narratives with young women thriving in what are considered make dominated positions and Lili is a wonderful character.
It was incredibly atmospheric, the oppressive humidity of Singapore, the heavenly scent of Chinese and Indian inspired cooking throughout the alleyways, the British accented dialogue drifting from the doorways of international hotels.
Adventurous and enchanting, exploring colonisation, wartime and the changing multiculturalism of Singapore during the forties, Lizard's Tale is spirited and utterly delightful.
August 7, 2019
Lizard's Tale is a colourful story filled with action and adventure. The setting is pre-war Singapore in the 1940’s where twelve year old orphan Lizard lives in the Chinatown area in a small cubicle above the tailor's store which is owned by the family of his best friend Lili. Lizard’s guardian Uncle Archie disappeared two years previous and he misses him terribly and hopes he will return one day.
Lizard is a resourceful, street smart and brave young lad, he survives on petty theft and legitimate odd jobs he can find. One of his shady assignments is to steal a teak box from Mr Sebastian Whitford Jones's hotel suite in the prestigious Raffles Hotel but this turns deadly and he finds that he has been swept up into a dangerous whirlwind of organised crime, espionage, mystery and a Japanese invasion plan.
The plot is brimming with thrilling escapes, spies and young heroes. The characters are engaging and it’s an easy read historical adventure for young readers as well as adults. I found it delightful, witty and entertaining.
Thank you to Text Publishing for my copy
Lizard is a resourceful, street smart and brave young lad, he survives on petty theft and legitimate odd jobs he can find. One of his shady assignments is to steal a teak box from Mr Sebastian Whitford Jones's hotel suite in the prestigious Raffles Hotel but this turns deadly and he finds that he has been swept up into a dangerous whirlwind of organised crime, espionage, mystery and a Japanese invasion plan.
The plot is brimming with thrilling escapes, spies and young heroes. The characters are engaging and it’s an easy read historical adventure for young readers as well as adults. I found it delightful, witty and entertaining.
Thank you to Text Publishing for my copy
May 10, 2020
I had such fun with this story. First middle grade read of the year and it did not disappoint.
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For my father, who grew up in Chinatown. And for my mother, who taught me to love books - Dedication.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
#wengwaichan's middle-grade debut is just what I needed to put a big, goofy grin on my face. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, but the brightness, precociousness, determinedness, friendship and overall loveableness of these kids just got me 😀.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Set in a Singapore that is within the sights of the Japanese, Lizard and his friends are drawn into the web of espionage when a certain box is stolen. Intelligence gathering, infiltration, rescues and adventure mark the narrative and dialogue of this story and told in the voice of two clever preteens, makes the atmosphere that much more engaging.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Young teens and children have a way of stripping the artifice from the world, people and actions, making the canvas of intentions crystal clear. This is a story that highlights the quick wit and fortitude of children; their dedication to family, friends and country; their cleverness and innocence, and their hopes for freedom and happiness.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Now this story deals with ethnic prejudice, colonialism, and privilege. But in a way that is appropriate for the age group it targets. Cannot imagine how much I would have loved this when younger, but am so glad that I got a chance to read it now. READ THIS BOOK!
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
For my father, who grew up in Chinatown. And for my mother, who taught me to love books - Dedication.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
#wengwaichan's middle-grade debut is just what I needed to put a big, goofy grin on my face. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, but the brightness, precociousness, determinedness, friendship and overall loveableness of these kids just got me 😀.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Set in a Singapore that is within the sights of the Japanese, Lizard and his friends are drawn into the web of espionage when a certain box is stolen. Intelligence gathering, infiltration, rescues and adventure mark the narrative and dialogue of this story and told in the voice of two clever preteens, makes the atmosphere that much more engaging.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Young teens and children have a way of stripping the artifice from the world, people and actions, making the canvas of intentions crystal clear. This is a story that highlights the quick wit and fortitude of children; their dedication to family, friends and country; their cleverness and innocence, and their hopes for freedom and happiness.
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
Now this story deals with ethnic prejudice, colonialism, and privilege. But in a way that is appropriate for the age group it targets. Cannot imagine how much I would have loved this when younger, but am so glad that I got a chance to read it now. READ THIS BOOK!
🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
August 5, 2020
I loved this fast paced adventure novel set in Singapore in the 1940s, it's perfect for the 11 and 12 year old students at our school.
February 18, 2020
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
I guess I’m just going to start with the one thing that I didn’t like and bothered me. The story takes place in Singapore with 95% of the cast being Asian people. Anyway. There was that one scene where a British white girl put make up on her face so that she could look like an Asian person. She paints her face with paprika and turmeric so that her skin isn’t white and matches Asian people’s skin color. Here an excerpt of the scene:
“‘And that color?’ he asked, waggling his fingers in front of his face.
‘Paprika and a little turmeric paste. I’ve done it before.’ She studied the back of her left hand. ‘Do you think it suits me?’ Up close, the colour was jarring and unnatural. He’d only ever seen one persone anywhere near that colour, and that person had been suffering from malarial jaundice.”
And I don’t know if it’s just me (maybe it is since I didn’t see anyone mention it in review I found) but I kinda find it offensive? Like, someone disguising themselve to look like an Asian person so they can walk around without being noticed since they’re white. I don’t know if this scene will be in the final version of the book, since I’m only reading an eARC but know that it is something that happens in the book.
Putting this aside, I really enjoyed Lizard’s Tale and I believe it’s a really important book that should be put in children’s hands. The story takes place in the 40s, the British Empire colonized a bunch of Asian countries and WWII is currently happening. The book deals with important subject and theme as colonization, racism, war and its consequences. I was also really surprised when I noticed the author referencing to past war crimes as the Nanking massacre (please note that the author doesn’t write “Nanking massacre” but make subtle reference to it with the words “Shanghai” and “invasion”). I’ve been reading middle grade books for a while now and I noticed that more and more, they tend to touch important subject as identity especially when the protagonist is a poc. But, this is really the first time I read a middle grade book which deals with heavy subjects as war and colonization. This is so important and interesting. I believe we have to shield children to heavy and scary stuff (e.g not being to explicit in how we write the story) but I believe it doesn’t mean we, adults, shouldn’t talk to them about what happened in the past.
And I’m not scared to say that I learnt a lot. I was born in France so I didn’t learn a lot of stuff about the British Empire and its colonies. Just the basic. And that’s why I’m so happy I read this book because I learn so much about what happened in Singapore during that time period. More than just referencing the colonies, the author actively discuss the colonies. Is it wrong? Is it right? What are the consequences? The author gives you the tools to question what happened during that time and I believe she did a great job.
I also really liked Lizard, the main character. He is so young but so brave, looking for his uncle who suddenly disappeared. And for someone who more or less spend most of his time in the streets, I can’t believe how kind he is. He may have stolen stuff but he knows it’s bad and he knows when he has to do the right thing and that’s why Lizard’s Tale was such an entertaining story to read.
The book is packed with actions, with spies and undercover agents. It’s a fun, entertaining and important story I believe people should read.
Diversity tag: biracial mc (english&chinese), asian side characters, story set in Singapore, #ownvoices, asian author.
Trigger warnings/content warnings: racism, talk about war crimes.
I guess I’m just going to start with the one thing that I didn’t like and bothered me. The story takes place in Singapore with 95% of the cast being Asian people. Anyway. There was that one scene where a British white girl put make up on her face so that she could look like an Asian person. She paints her face with paprika and turmeric so that her skin isn’t white and matches Asian people’s skin color. Here an excerpt of the scene:
“‘And that color?’ he asked, waggling his fingers in front of his face.
‘Paprika and a little turmeric paste. I’ve done it before.’ She studied the back of her left hand. ‘Do you think it suits me?’ Up close, the colour was jarring and unnatural. He’d only ever seen one persone anywhere near that colour, and that person had been suffering from malarial jaundice.”
And I don’t know if it’s just me (maybe it is since I didn’t see anyone mention it in review I found) but I kinda find it offensive? Like, someone disguising themselve to look like an Asian person so they can walk around without being noticed since they’re white. I don’t know if this scene will be in the final version of the book, since I’m only reading an eARC but know that it is something that happens in the book.
Putting this aside, I really enjoyed Lizard’s Tale and I believe it’s a really important book that should be put in children’s hands. The story takes place in the 40s, the British Empire colonized a bunch of Asian countries and WWII is currently happening. The book deals with important subject and theme as colonization, racism, war and its consequences. I was also really surprised when I noticed the author referencing to past war crimes as the Nanking massacre (please note that the author doesn’t write “Nanking massacre” but make subtle reference to it with the words “Shanghai” and “invasion”). I’ve been reading middle grade books for a while now and I noticed that more and more, they tend to touch important subject as identity especially when the protagonist is a poc. But, this is really the first time I read a middle grade book which deals with heavy subjects as war and colonization. This is so important and interesting. I believe we have to shield children to heavy and scary stuff (e.g not being to explicit in how we write the story) but I believe it doesn’t mean we, adults, shouldn’t talk to them about what happened in the past.
And I’m not scared to say that I learnt a lot. I was born in France so I didn’t learn a lot of stuff about the British Empire and its colonies. Just the basic. And that’s why I’m so happy I read this book because I learn so much about what happened in Singapore during that time period. More than just referencing the colonies, the author actively discuss the colonies. Is it wrong? Is it right? What are the consequences? The author gives you the tools to question what happened during that time and I believe she did a great job.
I also really liked Lizard, the main character. He is so young but so brave, looking for his uncle who suddenly disappeared. And for someone who more or less spend most of his time in the streets, I can’t believe how kind he is. He may have stolen stuff but he knows it’s bad and he knows when he has to do the right thing and that’s why Lizard’s Tale was such an entertaining story to read.
The book is packed with actions, with spies and undercover agents. It’s a fun, entertaining and important story I believe people should read.
Diversity tag: biracial mc (english&chinese), asian side characters, story set in Singapore, #ownvoices, asian author.
Trigger warnings/content warnings: racism, talk about war crimes.
September 8, 2019
This was an enjoyable and interesting MG that can be embraced by older readers. Set in Singapore, about a year prior to the bombing of Singapore by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force and occupation of Singapore by Japan in WWII, this historical fiction MG follows Lizard, a poor boy who survives on ‘odd jobs’ and unintentionally gets caught up in military intelligence by finding a box he was sent on an errand for. He’s best friends with Lili who is harbouring a secret that can lead to danger for both Lizard and Lili but this mysterious box brings them together for an adventure both of them were not prepared for. With accurate historical referencing intertwined with a thrilling military - spy story, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very quick and easy to read. Readers can learn a lot about pre-war Singapore in this book. I really liked the friendship between Lili and Lizard and even admired Lili’s jealousy of Lizard’s new friend Georgina - whilst Lili is tough, smart and fiercely loyal to Lizard despite the prejudice her family gave against Lizard due to caste, her flaws made her human. An enjoyable book, recommended for both MG + YA readers. Special thanks to Text Publishing for sending me a review copy for his book.
December 2, 2019
A good historical fiction takes you to the time and place, and you never come up for air the whole time reading it. A good historical fiction uses real people, along with fictionalized people, and weaves them all together, so you can't see what was added. And a good historical fiction doens't make you stop and run to a book to double check that this all happened.
This wonderful book does all these things, and more. I was amazed, when I had finished the book, to learn who all the real people were either based on, or were real, including the areas of the book.
Lizard, the main character, is totally believable, and is Lili, who turns out to be part of something much bigger than he could imagine. The plot is fun, and has some good action points, although I kept expecting to be more surprised than I was. All in all, it was a fun romp. Full of spies, secret agents, and a missing uncle.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This wonderful book does all these things, and more. I was amazed, when I had finished the book, to learn who all the real people were either based on, or were real, including the areas of the book.
Lizard, the main character, is totally believable, and is Lili, who turns out to be part of something much bigger than he could imagine. The plot is fun, and has some good action points, although I kept expecting to be more surprised than I was. All in all, it was a fun romp. Full of spies, secret agents, and a missing uncle.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Lizard's Tale is a well-deserved finalist in the 2020 Book Awards, in both the Junior Fiction and the Best First Book categories.
Set in Singapore in 1940, it is a rollicking mystery adventure which takes place against the backdrop of World War 2 and the imminent bombing of Singapore by Japan.
Lizard is a young boy who is surviving, just, in Singapore's underground. When he is asked to steal a package for a local criminal he becomes embroiled in a terrifying ordeal, which coincidentally involves his missing British uncle.
The plot moves quickly and Lizard and his friend Lili are likable. I did think, though, that, with a few tweaks, this story could have been set anywhere in the world. There is an underlying sense of the place and the era, but it is not overly strong... and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I think personally I would have liked to experience a bit more of the time and the pace, but in terms of the storyline I am not sure it matters.
I am looking forward to book-talking this book when we look at the Book Award books in the Library... I think there will be a few takers!
Set in Singapore in 1940, it is a rollicking mystery adventure which takes place against the backdrop of World War 2 and the imminent bombing of Singapore by Japan.
Lizard is a young boy who is surviving, just, in Singapore's underground. When he is asked to steal a package for a local criminal he becomes embroiled in a terrifying ordeal, which coincidentally involves his missing British uncle.
The plot moves quickly and Lizard and his friend Lili are likable. I did think, though, that, with a few tweaks, this story could have been set anywhere in the world. There is an underlying sense of the place and the era, but it is not overly strong... and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I think personally I would have liked to experience a bit more of the time and the pace, but in terms of the storyline I am not sure it matters.
I am looking forward to book-talking this book when we look at the Book Award books in the Library... I think there will be a few takers!
December 7, 2020
Absolutely fantastic adventure set in Singapore. With great themes of friendship, trust and bravery. I love a story where brave kids take on the dastardly adults and win. I've reviewed this book elsewhere so won't go on here. But this is a great book, something different, it would be a fab read aloud for intermediate and junior secondary kids.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 19, 2019
Aiyah so rad lah
August 5, 2022
Trigger warnings: espionage, parental abandonment, disappearance of a family member, war, racism, murder, blood, violence, kidnapping, colonialism, xenophobia
3.5 stars.
I've been meaning to read this since it came out because I was really interested in the idea of a middle grade adventure book set in Singapore in the lead up to Japanese invasion. This was a compelling story, and Lizard was a great main character. I did feel like it required a little more knowledge of World War II than the intended audience will probably have. But it did a great job of discussing colonialism and the tensions it created, even before war broke out. And the way it handles espionage and all the different nations participating in it in pre-invasion Singapore was pretty damned effective, I have to say.
Ultimately, this was a quick and very readable way to cross Singapore off my Read Around the World list!
3.5 stars.
I've been meaning to read this since it came out because I was really interested in the idea of a middle grade adventure book set in Singapore in the lead up to Japanese invasion. This was a compelling story, and Lizard was a great main character. I did feel like it required a little more knowledge of World War II than the intended audience will probably have. But it did a great job of discussing colonialism and the tensions it created, even before war broke out. And the way it handles espionage and all the different nations participating in it in pre-invasion Singapore was pretty damned effective, I have to say.
Ultimately, this was a quick and very readable way to cross Singapore off my Read Around the World list!
December 6, 2020
Very worthy finalist in the NZ Children’s Book Awards, I loved this action mystery set in and the streets around the Raffles Club of Singapore. I think it leaves scope for a second book for these likeable characters Lili and Lizard and their brave, roguish friends. Knowing what went on for Singapore and the allies seeking to defend it in WW2 there must be room for more.
June 21, 2021
Lizard is a half-Chinese, half-British orphan in Singapore in 1940. He lived with his British uncle for a while until his uncle never came back from what was supposed to be a weekend trip. He now lives in Chinatown while he tries to find his uncle. In the meantime, he does translation and dictation jobs to get by, and when he has to, steals. His latest job from the local boss was to steal a box from a suite in the Raffles Hotel. But what should have been a quick and easy job, gets messy when his boss is stabbed and all sorts of people are very interested in what's in the box he has. With his downstairs neighbor, Lili, his friend at the hotel, Roshan, and the girl who saw him steal the box, Georgina, Lizard has to figure out who the box should go to and how to keep it safe in the meantime.
This was a fun little pre-WWII Singapore spy story with a very memorable cast of characters. I can totally see this being made into a movie. It has a good amount of action, several little twists and turns, a nice diverse cast, and a great setting. The author has included enough historical fact that this is a very believable tale and transports you nicely to 1940s Singapore, while also tactfully exploring the race relations of the time and having the kids dream of what could be. I am excited to add this to our library shelves. Many of our students travel to Singapore on holiday (or come from there originally) so I can see the setting really appealing to them, and WWII and spy stories are always popular. I'm going to have to see if Weng Wai Chan has any other books because this was excellent. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There is one fatal stabbing the main character sees (not described in graphic detail), a fist fight among street kids, and other violence is threatened.
This was a fun little pre-WWII Singapore spy story with a very memorable cast of characters. I can totally see this being made into a movie. It has a good amount of action, several little twists and turns, a nice diverse cast, and a great setting. The author has included enough historical fact that this is a very believable tale and transports you nicely to 1940s Singapore, while also tactfully exploring the race relations of the time and having the kids dream of what could be. I am excited to add this to our library shelves. Many of our students travel to Singapore on holiday (or come from there originally) so I can see the setting really appealing to them, and WWII and spy stories are always popular. I'm going to have to see if Weng Wai Chan has any other books because this was excellent. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There is one fatal stabbing the main character sees (not described in graphic detail), a fist fight among street kids, and other violence is threatened.
June 24, 2020
1940, Singapore, and 12-year-old Lizard is struggling for survival. When his Uncle Archie disappeared, Lizard was left on his own until ‘rescued’ from the streets by Lili, who is now his friend. Lizard now lives above a tailor’s shop in Chinatown owned by Lili’s Dad, and makes his way doing odd jobs and writing letters for people. That is, until he takes on a job to steal an item from the famous Raffles Hotel. This small box will bring him no end of trouble, including the death of the person who asked him to take it in the first place. Little does Lizard know, but the Japanese code book contained within the box is being frantically sought by both the British and the Japanese, neither of which have the best intentions of the Singaporeans in mind. And strangely, why does Lizard’s friend Lili turn up in odd places? And where did she suddenly learn to fight like a pro? Well written and fast paced, this fantastic action adventure well deserves its inclusion on two 2020 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults shortlists; Junior Fiction and Best First Book. I think the story would appeal to older students as well, especially those studying this aspect of World War II, prior to the invasion of Singapore by the Japanese on 7 February 1942. Great female and male protagonists. Good addition of a glossary and author's note. Really enjoyed.
Reviewed by Debbie McCauley (Bookrapt).
Reviewed by Debbie McCauley (Bookrapt).
July 11, 2020
Lizard’s Tale is a story filled with mystery, intrigue, spies and secret missions, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Set in Singapore in 1940 the story focuses on Lizard, a boy who steals a package that dangerous people want to get their hands on. Lizard is just a boy who steals to make ends meet but this latest job leaves him mixed up in Japanese plans to invade Singapore. Lizard’s friend, Lili, is secretly a special agent who is tasked with uncovering more about the Japanese plans. With the help of Lizard and his contacts, and a British girl staying at the Raffles Hotel, they set out to uncover the truth. The gunjin (Japanese military) are known for their ruthlessness and Lizard and his friends discover this first hand.
Lizard is a character who is very resourceful. He lost his parents at a young age and has been brought up by his uncle. His uncle disappeared suddenly several years ago so Lizard has to survive on his wits and the kindness of others. The girls in the story are quite resourceful too - Lili is a fearless secret agent and Georgina doesn’t live the sheltered life her parents believe she does.
Weng Wai Chan gives readers an interesting insight in to Singapore at the start of the Second World War. There are so many different nationalities in the city, from Chinese and Malay to British and Japanese. This is a period of history I didn’t know much about and I found it fascinating.
Lizard’s Tale is a very engaging story perfect for ages 10+. It’s a very worthy finalist in the 2020 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Lizard is a character who is very resourceful. He lost his parents at a young age and has been brought up by his uncle. His uncle disappeared suddenly several years ago so Lizard has to survive on his wits and the kindness of others. The girls in the story are quite resourceful too - Lili is a fearless secret agent and Georgina doesn’t live the sheltered life her parents believe she does.
Weng Wai Chan gives readers an interesting insight in to Singapore at the start of the Second World War. There are so many different nationalities in the city, from Chinese and Malay to British and Japanese. This is a period of history I didn’t know much about and I found it fascinating.
Lizard’s Tale is a very engaging story perfect for ages 10+. It’s a very worthy finalist in the 2020 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
November 4, 2020
So, I totally picked up this book because of its cover. However, I ended up being super impressed by it.
This was a middle grade book set in 1940 in Singapore, about a half-British half-Chinese orphan boy nicknamed Lizard. Someone paid him to do something he wasn't supposed to, and he unknowingly inserted himself into an epic plot of espionage as World War II was brewing.
It sounded so good, didn't it? I was enchanted from the start, and I couldn't stop reading till the end. Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit short to me. There were so many things I wanted to know, I was hoping this was just the first book of a series. Alas, it wasn't.
Anyway, loved the story, the characters, and the side characters - Lili the Chinese girl, Georgina the British girl, and Roshan the Indian boy. And I loved how diverse it was - the book had dialogues in English, Mandarin, Malay, Japanese and Indian.
It was such a delight.
See my bookstagram review.
This was a middle grade book set in 1940 in Singapore, about a half-British half-Chinese orphan boy nicknamed Lizard. Someone paid him to do something he wasn't supposed to, and he unknowingly inserted himself into an epic plot of espionage as World War II was brewing.
It sounded so good, didn't it? I was enchanted from the start, and I couldn't stop reading till the end. Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit short to me. There were so many things I wanted to know, I was hoping this was just the first book of a series. Alas, it wasn't.
Anyway, loved the story, the characters, and the side characters - Lili the Chinese girl, Georgina the British girl, and Roshan the Indian boy. And I loved how diverse it was - the book had dialogues in English, Mandarin, Malay, Japanese and Indian.
It was such a delight.
See my bookstagram review.
January 27, 2021
This is a fun, suspenseful tale of a young boy in Singapore just before the fall of Singapore in World War 2. Lizard's Uncle Archie has disappeared and he is making his way on his own in Chinatown, when he gets caught up in an espionage mystery of epic proportions. Along with his friend Lili, who has some secrets of her own, they work to track down the bad guys, get the important information to the authorities and find Uncle Archie.
January 29, 2021
I loved the Lizards Tale!
Set in old Singapore with a host of larger than life characters, a missing uncle, a mysterious teak box, spies, secrets and a wonderful best friend.
It's a wild adventure through a historical city and Lizard was wonderfully portrayed. Loyal, brave, and caught up way over his head!
Great fun. A well deserved winner of the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction at the NZCYA Book Awards!
Set in old Singapore with a host of larger than life characters, a missing uncle, a mysterious teak box, spies, secrets and a wonderful best friend.
It's a wild adventure through a historical city and Lizard was wonderfully portrayed. Loyal, brave, and caught up way over his head!
Great fun. A well deserved winner of the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction at the NZCYA Book Awards!
August 26, 2021
An orphan whose beloved uncle has disappeared, young Lizard, with the help of his friend Lili, lives by his wits in 1940s Singapore. When he’s offered a sum of money to steal a teak box from a guest at the Raffles Hotel, he does so – and soon finds he has become inadvertently involved in wartime espionage. This terrific middle reader offers a lively plot along with history, mystery, and intrigue!
February 23, 2020
Gosh, I loved this now as I read it in my late 30s and I can just imagine how much I would've adored this book were I to read it 30 years ago! It has everything I love from the cute cover, a very capable Chinese girl, to a beautiful bittersweet ending.
Lizard is the name of this 12 year-old boy who has no one is known by. While he himself if a clever young fellow, he does not know his way around big cities. Luckily, he found help in a Chinese girl called Lili and the two formed a friendship, of sort. Lizard, these days, will do all sorts of things to stay above water. Meantime, he kept an eye out for his missing uncle. Until the day that he inadvertently got involved in something well beyond his ken. Lucky for him, there are friends who cared for him who are willing to help.
Let me provide a complete list of things I loved of this novel:
🦎 Cute eye-catching cover
🦎 own voice (POC) author
🦎 Great characters: resilient & courageous MC with brave & resourceful sidekicks
🦎 Friendship Friendship Friendship
🦎 Set in Asia (Singapore)
🦎 Diverse characters (and let me stress the DIVERSE here)
🦎 Set in WW2 (or just before)
A terrific mystery, fast paced plot, and marvellous characters, Lizard's Tale is highly recommended for readers of ALL ages!
Thanks to Text Publishing via Netgalley for ecopy of book in exchange of honest review
Lizard is the name of this 12 year-old boy who has no one is known by. While he himself if a clever young fellow, he does not know his way around big cities. Luckily, he found help in a Chinese girl called Lili and the two formed a friendship, of sort. Lizard, these days, will do all sorts of things to stay above water. Meantime, he kept an eye out for his missing uncle. Until the day that he inadvertently got involved in something well beyond his ken. Lucky for him, there are friends who cared for him who are willing to help.
Let me provide a complete list of things I loved of this novel:
🦎 Cute eye-catching cover
🦎 own voice (POC) author
🦎 Great characters: resilient & courageous MC with brave & resourceful sidekicks
🦎 Friendship Friendship Friendship
🦎 Set in Asia (Singapore)
🦎 Diverse characters (and let me stress the DIVERSE here)
🦎 Set in WW2 (or just before)
A terrific mystery, fast paced plot, and marvellous characters, Lizard's Tale is highly recommended for readers of ALL ages!
Thanks to Text Publishing via Netgalley for ecopy of book in exchange of honest review
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October 17, 2019Great book.Loved it because I spent some of my childhood in Singapore and all the places were familiar to me. A great adventure story. aged 10 years and up
July 23, 2023
Humid steamy Singapore in the 40’s. Abandoned biracial child Lizard is searching for his uncle while trying to survive. War is looming with the Japanese preparing their expansion plans while the British cling to power in their colonial outpost. I loved the atmosphere and action of the book but found the child spy aspect awkward and too unbelievable. Enjoyable read.
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