Dappled Annie and the Tigrish by Mary McCallum & Annie Hayward

On a remote stretch of New Zealand coastline, the daughter of the local lighthouse keeper is left to her own devices. The beauty of Annie’s surroundings, combined with the power of her imagination, create a magical world. Drawn to a mysterious line of hedges, she soon discovers that the plants are not only sentient but also able to communicate with her. She learns to play within their branches and, ultimately, to uncover their deepest secrets. But when a frightening earthquake upsets the magical hedgerow and the mysterious Tigrish appears, Annie must decide whether the enigmatic flying tiger is friend or foe.

This gentle magical adventure, focusing on family, courage and the natural world, will appeal to contemplative, imaginative readers aged 9 and up.


Athina Clarke