The Lying Carpet

David Lucas

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.

Reviews

"Truly beautiful picture book. Whimsical and charming story full of creative twists and light humour."
boingboing.net

"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."
Julia Eccleshare - Guardian

"An exquisite and provoking contemplation of truth, hope, dreams and the power of stories."
The Daily Telegraph

"A stylish and appealing work that questions reality and perception. A classy, illustrated metaphysical fable."
Hope, Jake - The Bookseller