Asha and the Spirit Bird

All of us need someone to look out for us. Especially Asha: a brave girl in big trouble. She lives in the foothills of the beautiful Himalayas. But since her father left to work in the city, things keep going wrong. Money is tight. She misses her papa. And now he’s stopped sending his wages home. Why? When a cruel moneylender ransacks their home, it’s the last straw for Asha. From her den in the mango tree, she makes a pact with her best friend, Jeevan, to find her father. That means crossing the world’s highest mountains, facing hunger, icy cold and snow leopards. Yet Asha knows the spirit bird of her grandmother – her nanijee – will be watching over her…

• Winner of the Times Chicken House Fiction Prize 2017

• The vivid and powerful story of a girl’s epic journey

• Beautifully dramatic setting in the Indian Himalayas

• The debut novel of bright new talent Jasbinder Bilan

• Ideal for fans of Jess Butterworth and Abi Elphinstone

“An evocative debut novel …. satisfyingly classic in feel.” Guardian

“[A] warm, comforting story … the final ending is as perfect as any fairy tale.” BookTrust

“This story will transport you to snowy forests, mountain temples and bustling cities.” The Week Junior

“A vibrant adventure with a rich seam of magical realism.” Bookseller

“Immerse yourself in a lush world of spirit birds, mango trees, snow leopards and majestic mountains in a sumptuous and sizzling debut novel … guaranteed to win the hearts and minds of middle grade readers.” Lancashire Evening Post