Imagine a disused living room in a grand house. In it is a tiger rug and a statue of a little girl. But is the tiger a real tiger, a fake or a magical carpet? Is the little girl real but bewitched or just a stone statue and will she ever come to life? By turns comical and lugubrious, the tiger gives the little girl plenty of versions of the truth, but how will she decide what is true and will she be able to break free?
A parable about outgrowing your childhood and becoming what you want to be, this is a book for anyone who has ever felt 'stuck' in their circumstances.
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Reading The Lying Carpet, is a dreamy experience - the language is lovely; the free verse has an offbeat rhythm; the illustrations are breathtaking. - New York Times
This magical story, a journey of discovery to separate truth and imagination, is teasingly packed with mystery and philosophy, all lyrically shown in words and pictures. - Guardian
a stylish, appealing work that questions reality and perception, a classy, highly illustrated metaphysical fable recounting much more than an exchange between tiger-skin rug and statue . . . - BOOKSELLER'S CHOICE, The Bookseller
A stylish and appealing work that questions reality and perception. A classy, illustrated metaphysical fable. - The Bookseller
An exquisite and provoking contemplation of truth, hope, dreams and the power of stories. - The Daily Telegraph
beautifully presented edition by a virtuoso story-teller...It is an enduring allegorical story...told in a playful way through Lucas' distinctive eccentric characters - The Bookseller
Part graphic novel, part fable exploring the idea of faith. The book itself is a beautiful object. - Victoria Park Books
It is a book that children will cherish and revisit for years to come for its fabulously grand storytelling and quirky illustrations... The Lying Carpet is a modern classic which will gather little dust on your bookcase. - Pregnancy and Parenting
There is much to puzzle over here, and much to interest a visually aware child. - Books for Keeps
Stylish illustrations. - Children's Bookseller
Lucas's first book for older readers . . . reveals that he's as remarkable a writer as he is an illustrator. - Publisher's Weekly, starred review
Beautiful and mysterious . . . Fabulous (as in fablelike), this will tug relentlessly on the mind and heart of any child ready to read it. - Kirkus Reviews
A simple, yet profoundly charming, fable. - The Bookbag
David Lucas' storytelling powers are second to none. With breathtaking illustrations and verse with a wonderful off-beat rhythm The Lying Carpet is something to share and enjoy with the whole family. - LOVEREADING4KIDS
By this author
About the Author
David Lucas was born in 1966 in Middlesborough, in the north of England. He grew up in Hackney, in East London, and studied illustration at the Royal College of Art. He lives and works in central London.
David has been named one of the UK's ten Best New Illustrators, an initiative created by Booktrust to recognise the best rising talent in the field of illustration today.
