The Year of the Tiger

Author: Maria Mahat
Publisher: Penguin SEA

Genre: Middle Grade, Juvenile Fiction, Historical Fiction, Family

In 1950 Malaya, also the Year of the Tiger based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, a baby girl was born. In the Tan household, superstitions prevail as the grandmother, Ah Ma believed that the baby girl was subjected to the “tiger curse” and will only bring misfortune and bad luck. The baby girl must be given up for adoption. Che’ Tah and Wahab, their neighbour who already had two children, opened their hearts and modest home to the baby, naming her Zaiton. Raised amidst the warmth of Wahab’s household, and next door to her biological family, Zaiton blossomed into a spirited and independent young soul. Despite the challenges of childhood, and the occasional whispers and taunts that made her doubt her roots, Zaiton navigated them with courage, strengthened by the support and love of her siblings, whether related by blood or chosen. After all, family is love.

Saiz: 18cm x 12cm
No of Pages: 112 pages
Year of Publication: 2026
ISBN: 9789815295375

For a limited time, and for every purchase of The Year of the Tiger, the author will donate $5 to a Singapore-based charity empowering women and families, PPIS.