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Tiger Skin Rug: A Magical Journey
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE Two homesick Indian boys and their new Scottish friend join a magical tiger on a journey across continents. Lal and his brother Dilip miss home. They don’t like drizzle, midges, or the tiger skin rug in their creepy new house. All they want is to leave Scotland and go back to India. But that’s before they make friends with Jenny, the girl next door—and before the tiger skin rug comes back to life. The tiger tells them it will take them home in return for their help, but it must first fulfill an old promise. An adventure story in which the young protagonists learn not only the true significance of the tiger skin rug’s final message but also come to understand the real meaning of home. “Elegant and enchanting. This grand, sweeping adventure takes the reader far and wide but, ultimately, is all about finding home.”— Anna Humphrey (author of Quack and the Mega Bat series)
200 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2021
7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Joan Haig
4 books5 followersJoan was born in an African village, moved to a mining town for school and then to a remote South Pacific island. In her late teens she moved to India to exchange stories and games with young street children, and in her early twenties she lived in Nigeria alongside real-life pirates. Joan now lives in the Scottish hills where she writes fiction and nonfiction for children. Her debut novel, TIGER SKIN RUG, was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 28, 2022
This is another WSJ book review read that has me scratching my head a bit. It is firmly a middle grade fantasy, and there's nothing wrong with it, but it didn't move me the way I'd hoped. I mean, homesick kids and a decades-old mystery involving Scotland, London, and various locations in India? It should have been right up my alley. My kids may like it better.
June 23, 2020
What a lovely delight this book was. I love a YA book and the magic that they can bring to a reading experience and Tiger Skin Rug did not dissapoint.
Set in drizzly Scotland, Lal and his brother Dilip are newly arrived from India and the colour and warmth of home. They don’t like the wet, the midges and Lal most certainly does not like the creepy tiger skin rug in the drawing room. However, things start to change. The refreshing force of Jenny enters their life in the form of a curly haired friend complete with a wonderful Grannie who tells the most wonderful stories.
Then, something truely magical happens. The tiger skin rug comes to life and makes them a promise. In return for their help, he will take them home. What follows is an adventure which will take them from Scotland, to London and all the way back to India.
I was sort of caught between two worlds. I knew that everything was true. even the magic. I also knew that in a world of adults and reason and science and fact, none of it (especially the magic) could be happening.
This was such a lovely book, so easy to read I flew through it in one sitting. Full of beautiful imagry and wonderful characters, you really are with Lal, Dilip, Jenny – and of course the tiger – every step of the way. A journey packed full of magic and friendship, this is a story of two young boys who discover that home is more than just a place.
The Tiger Skin Rug is so much more than a pretty story though, as there were some really complex themes going on too. Conservation, poverty and social divide to name but a few, but it was written so beautifully and interwoven with hope, it was a pleasure to read.
There was a battle going on here. The magic of the forest versus the outside world. Those who wanted to save this beautiful place from destruction, and those who only cared about how its riches might make them richer.
Set in drizzly Scotland, Lal and his brother Dilip are newly arrived from India and the colour and warmth of home. They don’t like the wet, the midges and Lal most certainly does not like the creepy tiger skin rug in the drawing room. However, things start to change. The refreshing force of Jenny enters their life in the form of a curly haired friend complete with a wonderful Grannie who tells the most wonderful stories.
Then, something truely magical happens. The tiger skin rug comes to life and makes them a promise. In return for their help, he will take them home. What follows is an adventure which will take them from Scotland, to London and all the way back to India.
I was sort of caught between two worlds. I knew that everything was true. even the magic. I also knew that in a world of adults and reason and science and fact, none of it (especially the magic) could be happening.
This was such a lovely book, so easy to read I flew through it in one sitting. Full of beautiful imagry and wonderful characters, you really are with Lal, Dilip, Jenny – and of course the tiger – every step of the way. A journey packed full of magic and friendship, this is a story of two young boys who discover that home is more than just a place.
The Tiger Skin Rug is so much more than a pretty story though, as there were some really complex themes going on too. Conservation, poverty and social divide to name but a few, but it was written so beautifully and interwoven with hope, it was a pleasure to read.
There was a battle going on here. The magic of the forest versus the outside world. Those who wanted to save this beautiful place from destruction, and those who only cared about how its riches might make them richer.
July 11, 2020
As an English teacher at a primary school I am always on the lookout for children's books which can hold the interest of young readers and teach them something. Tiger Skin Rug does both of these things. The theme that runs through the book is that of belonging and the concept of 'home' which for many people is also a central theme in their lives, one to which I myself can relate to. The story is beautifully written with memorable characters, funny and moving in equal measure. As a 40 year old adult I felt I got a lot out of this book even though it is meant for 12 year olds. If you want to read a story that is full of adventure then read Tiger Skin Rug it is a magical and memorable book which will stay with you after you've finished it. I think Joan Haig has the potential to be a fitting successor to the likes of Alexander McCall Smith and eagerly look forward to her next publication.
October 7, 2023
My official rating is 5 pout of 10 locked boxes
Read my full review here: https://www.storybookem.com/post/revi...
This is a fun middle school fantasy about two brothers who move away from their home with their family and find themselves living in a big creepy house with a creepy tiger skin rug. The brothers make a friend with a girl from the neighborhood who, luckily is up for an adventured when they find that the tiger skin rug is more than it seems. It's not just an accessory, it's a magical rug that comes to life and has secrets of its own. Together, the four embark on an adventure that has the power to change, not just their lives, but the lives of many.
I honestly felt like, even though this book was written recently, it had a '90's feel to it and, honestly, I kind of loved the nostalgia of it!
Read my full review here: https://www.storybookem.com/post/revi...
This is a fun middle school fantasy about two brothers who move away from their home with their family and find themselves living in a big creepy house with a creepy tiger skin rug. The brothers make a friend with a girl from the neighborhood who, luckily is up for an adventured when they find that the tiger skin rug is more than it seems. It's not just an accessory, it's a magical rug that comes to life and has secrets of its own. Together, the four embark on an adventure that has the power to change, not just their lives, but the lives of many.
I honestly felt like, even though this book was written recently, it had a '90's feel to it and, honestly, I kind of loved the nostalgia of it!
May 5, 2020
A roaring good tale!
A fun, quick read with the feel of a classic children's adventure but with wonderful modern characters. Homesick brothers Lal and Dilip, and new friend Jenny go on a magical journey from Scotland to London to India on a flying tiger!
This is a charming tale with a mystery at its centre. I loved how Joan creates a vivid picture of the different locations. I wonder if Greystanes has any more secrets as I'd love this to be the start of a series.
A fun, quick read with the feel of a classic children's adventure but with wonderful modern characters. Homesick brothers Lal and Dilip, and new friend Jenny go on a magical journey from Scotland to London to India on a flying tiger!
This is a charming tale with a mystery at its centre. I loved how Joan creates a vivid picture of the different locations. I wonder if Greystanes has any more secrets as I'd love this to be the start of a series.
June 12, 2024
I felt truly transported in this unexpected and vibrant adventure. From the gloomy old house of Greystanes in Scotland, to the lush tea plantations of India, the mysterious message of the tiger skin rug kept me guessing throughout the story. With some dramatic twists and high tension towards the end, I was endlessly engaged.
A refreshingly different middle-grade take. Hope to see more from this author!
A refreshingly different middle-grade take. Hope to see more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
Beautiful writing!
Lal, the point of view character, is a lovely channel through which the story of a magical tiger, an earnest promise and questions of belonging and home are explored. I was with the kids all the way, from Scotland to London to India and back. I particularly liked the subtle references to conservation work, but without the book wearing its issues on its sleeve. It's a story, and an excellent one at that!
Lal, the point of view character, is a lovely channel through which the story of a magical tiger, an earnest promise and questions of belonging and home are explored. I was with the kids all the way, from Scotland to London to India and back. I particularly liked the subtle references to conservation work, but without the book wearing its issues on its sleeve. It's a story, and an excellent one at that!
April 19, 2022
I liked the idea of this book better than the execution. Homesick for India in rainy Scotland, a magic tiger skin rug, an old mystery - all great ingredients, but the story seemed forced in places and transitions were abrupt.
Really good potential, though, and this was a debut, so maybe the next will be smoother.
Really good potential, though, and this was a debut, so maybe the next will be smoother.
June 15, 2021
An evocative tale, full of magic and warmth, exploring issues of friendship, conservation, colonialism, and belonging. Especially loved main character Lal, homesick for India - the way his qualities are seen and affirmed later on in the book was really touching.
September 14, 2021
A wonderful children’s adventure story with magic animals, castles in beautiful forests, but yet not trite so modern kids wouldn’t like it. the good old fashion kind of read. Would be a great read aloud for younger children and a great story for readers 7,8-12 years old. Or older fold like me.
January 15, 2022
Glistening gem of a story, spanning Scottish skies and Indian jungles, with a plot both mesmerizing and endearing. I particularly appreciated the radiant character of Mani and the powerful, dignifying way the street children were portrayed. All in all, a book I will certainly remember!
March 14, 2020
What a fantastic novel. Fast paced with twists and turns galore. Absolutely loved the ending, really satisfying!
March 15, 2021
This is a wonderful adventure. Fast paced and full of magic. I absolutely loved it.
April 17, 2021
This is an amazing story.
We follow 2 brothers and there friend as they go on a quest with a tiger.
It is brilliantly written.
We follow 2 brothers and there friend as they go on a quest with a tiger.
It is brilliantly written.
June 17, 2022
I wanted to use this as a read aloud with a fourth grade class. It’s a great story, but not fast paced enough for what I needed. It’s a little drawn out.
January 23, 2023
Cozy fantasy, a little too fast for me.
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March 2, 2025Ghj
December 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, great storyline
February 15, 2020
Lal and his little brother Dilip want only to leave Scotland and return to the life they knew in India. Not even their new friend Jenny can make up for an endless supply of cold grey castles, midges and rain. Their new home is nothing like the modern apartment they left behind. It is stuck in the past, filled with the relics of its previous owner.
But then comes the discovery that the most mysterious object in the house, an elderly tiger skin rug, contains a restless spirit that cannot give up on life until it has delivered one last vital message.
‘Tiger Skin Rug’ concerns itself with the global issue of the fragility of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it, but it never preaches. Instead it uses those issues as the springboard into a world of magic and adventure. Together with Jenny, the boys set off on a voyage of discovery. Their journey starts in the parts of London the tourists never see, before it moves further and further afield, to the sprawling, vibrant city of Mumbai and then to one of the last of the wild places, the wooded mountains where the tiger hopes to find peace at last.
Every location on their journey is brimming with authenticity. People and places are skilfully drawn and the characters leap off the page, especially the street children of Mumbai. It is the story of a journey that teaches the boys and Jenny about home and loyalty and friendship - and what it truly means to belong.
A thrilling, magical story that grips the reader’s attention from the very first page.
Merged review:
Lal and his little brother Dilip want only to leave Scotland and return to the life they knew in India. Not even their new friend Jenny can make up for an endless supply of cold grey castles, midges and rain. Their new home is nothing like the modern apartment they left behind. It is stuck in the past, filled with the relics of its previous owner.
But then comes the discovery that the most mysterious object in the house, an elderly tiger skin rug, contains a restless spirit that cannot give up on life until it has delivered one last vital message.
‘Tiger Skin Rug’ concerns itself with the global issue of the fragility of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it, but it never preaches. Instead it uses those issues as the springboard into a world of magic and adventure. Together with Jenny, the boys set off on a voyage of discovery. Their journey starts in the parts of London the tourists never see, before it moves further and further afield, to the sprawling, vibrant city of Mumbai and then to one of the last of the wild places, the wooded mountains where the tiger hopes to find peace at last.
Every location on their journey is brimming with authenticity. People and places are skilfully drawn and the characters leap off the page, especially the street children of Mumbai. It is the story of a journey that teaches the boys and Jenny about home and loyalty and friendship - and what it truly means to belong.
A thrilling, magical story that grips the reader’s attention from the very first page.
But then comes the discovery that the most mysterious object in the house, an elderly tiger skin rug, contains a restless spirit that cannot give up on life until it has delivered one last vital message.
‘Tiger Skin Rug’ concerns itself with the global issue of the fragility of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it, but it never preaches. Instead it uses those issues as the springboard into a world of magic and adventure. Together with Jenny, the boys set off on a voyage of discovery. Their journey starts in the parts of London the tourists never see, before it moves further and further afield, to the sprawling, vibrant city of Mumbai and then to one of the last of the wild places, the wooded mountains where the tiger hopes to find peace at last.
Every location on their journey is brimming with authenticity. People and places are skilfully drawn and the characters leap off the page, especially the street children of Mumbai. It is the story of a journey that teaches the boys and Jenny about home and loyalty and friendship - and what it truly means to belong.
A thrilling, magical story that grips the reader’s attention from the very first page.
Merged review:
Lal and his little brother Dilip want only to leave Scotland and return to the life they knew in India. Not even their new friend Jenny can make up for an endless supply of cold grey castles, midges and rain. Their new home is nothing like the modern apartment they left behind. It is stuck in the past, filled with the relics of its previous owner.
But then comes the discovery that the most mysterious object in the house, an elderly tiger skin rug, contains a restless spirit that cannot give up on life until it has delivered one last vital message.
‘Tiger Skin Rug’ concerns itself with the global issue of the fragility of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it, but it never preaches. Instead it uses those issues as the springboard into a world of magic and adventure. Together with Jenny, the boys set off on a voyage of discovery. Their journey starts in the parts of London the tourists never see, before it moves further and further afield, to the sprawling, vibrant city of Mumbai and then to one of the last of the wild places, the wooded mountains where the tiger hopes to find peace at last.
Every location on their journey is brimming with authenticity. People and places are skilfully drawn and the characters leap off the page, especially the street children of Mumbai. It is the story of a journey that teaches the boys and Jenny about home and loyalty and friendship - and what it truly means to belong.
A thrilling, magical story that grips the reader’s attention from the very first page.
June 2, 2021
Enjoyed this magical adventure that took us from the countryside to London to India. Though the food sections were evocative and loved the magic elements too. The characters were well-developed too but I think mostly this could have been tighter and perhaps a little longer in terms of pacing and editing. A magical adventure for sure!
August 24, 2020
Lal and his little brother Dilip have moved with their family from India to Scotland - and it's not what they're used to. The weather, for a start, with its constant drizzle. They're homesick; Lal especially misses his friend back in India, and all the fun they had playing cricket.
But when the creepy old tiger skin rug in their new home comes to life, Lal, Dilip, and their new friend Jenny have to go on a quest - a quest to complete the mission the tiger was on when it was killed, skinned, and turned into a rug.
Their adventure takes them from Scotland all the way to London, then further - even back to India itself.
A fast-paced romp with engaging, believable characters, with a lot to say about the predicament of the tiger under the threat of poaching and extinction, and more to say about what it means to be "home".
But when the creepy old tiger skin rug in their new home comes to life, Lal, Dilip, and their new friend Jenny have to go on a quest - a quest to complete the mission the tiger was on when it was killed, skinned, and turned into a rug.
Their adventure takes them from Scotland all the way to London, then further - even back to India itself.
A fast-paced romp with engaging, believable characters, with a lot to say about the predicament of the tiger under the threat of poaching and extinction, and more to say about what it means to be "home".
May 6, 2022
This was such a sweet book. This is another book I picked up to judge it for use in Battle of the Books, and I think it was one I’m going to suggest we use. It has adventure and magic and the power of friendship. It also has a good message about habitat and animal preservation and, like the synopsis says “the real meaning of home.”... Read the full review here
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews