Jasbinder Bilan

Inspired by Hindu mythology, Anya’s Quest is an enchanting tale of a young girl’s journey to protect the planet, from the Costa-winning author of Asha and the Spirit Bird and renowned illustrator Jane Ray. A beautiful book to treasure for ever. The earth’s lullaby is falling silent. Our world is in danger… When the mighty goddess Ganga hears a forgotten melody in the night, she follows its tune to a palace in the icy Himalaya and to a young girl called Anya. For she has a quest for Anya – she needs her help to heal the fragile planet. Flying on her dragon Makara, Ganga leads Anya and her friend Mahi on an epic journey through time and across India, in search of elusive spirit animals and forgotten lullabies. Together, they must confront their fears and discover friends new and old, as they join their voices in a celebration of the planet.

From the author of the Costa Award-winning Asha & the Spirit Bird comes a stunning new historical adventure … '[An] absorbing, atmospheric 8+ historical adventure' THE GUARDIAN Naeli loves her life in Hyderabad, India, yet she yearns to find her English father, who left when she was little. When a mysterious ticket arrives from England, Naeli abandons her familiar world to track him down. Armed only with her father’s name and cherished violin, she embarks on a bold adventure through Victorian London and beyond ... A stunning new novel by bestselling author Jasbinder Bilan; author of Asha & the Spirit Bird, Tamarind & the Star of Ishta and Aarti & the Blue Gods A gothic historical tale of family, music and mystery Jasbinder is the winner of the Costa Book Award, The Indie Book Award and the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition, and has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize   PRAISE FOR JASBINDER BILAN: 'This book is such a light-filled, huge-hearted delight of an adventure.' KATHERINE RUNDELL 'Satisfyingly classic in feel' GUARDIAN 'A heartfelt and mystical children’s adventure story' TELEGRAPH 'Atmospheric, dreamy, charged with wonder and menace, loss, sorrow and delight' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas. Money is tight and she misses her papa who works in the city. When he suddenly stops sending his wages, a ruthless moneylender ransacks their home and her mother talks of leaving. From her den in the mango tree, Asha makes a pact with her best friend, Jeevan, to find her father and make things right. But the journey is dangerous: they must cross the world's highest mountains and face hunger, tiredness - even snow leopards. And yet, Asha has the unshakeable sense that the spirit bird of her grandmother - her nanijee - is watching over her ... A gorgeously original and magical adventure set in India, for children aged 9 and up. From the author of Tamarind & the Star of Ishta - longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Prize. Explores themes of faith, family and friendship while capturing the wild, rich heart of contemporary India.