Puloma and the Bear

Puloma must summon immense courage to rescue a captive bear in this gripping adventure from award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan.
Can Puloma save Nyla the bear and herself at the same time?
Unwanted and lonely living with her unkind aunt, Puloma ends up running away with the circus. She's relieved to find work and a place to live but can't understand why the other circus workers are constantly worried about the police finding them.
The reason for their fears is the circus's star act - a dancing sloth bear called Nyla. This form of cruelty is now illegal in India, and when Puloma sees Nyla being mistreated, she decides to try to help her escape ...
Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

About the author

Award-winning author Jasbinda loves writing stories inspired by her childhood bond with her grandmother in India. Her first book, Asha & the Spirit Bird won the Costa Children's Book Award 2017, which Jasbinda followed with Tamarind & The Star of Ishta, winning the Indie Children's Book Award 2021.

Report

"The beautiful illustrations by Skylar White show Nyla's vulnerability and pain, while Jasbinder Bilan's simple yet powerful words show Puloma's bravery in standing up for what's right. In shining a light on cruel traditions that might still exist in some areas of the world, this is a story to provoke thought, and maybe action." - BookTrust, Book of the Day
"Bilan packs so much into this short novel ... Sensory details evoke the Indian countryside wonderfully, Puloma is a gutsy protagonist, and there is a powerful message about the treatment of captive animals." - JUNO
"A captivating, hopeful story of courage, friendship and trust with a powerful message raising awareness about animals held in captivity for entertainment." - Book Craic, blog
"A powerful story of standing up for what you believe in. Bravery, kindness and compassion flow from every page as the strong female lead, Puloma, discovers her gifts and the potential for a positive future. This story is perfect for fans of Nizrana Farook's animal stories and Luna by Holly Webb." - Scope for Imagination, blog

Product details

• Authors: Jasbinder Bilan
• Assisted by: Skylar White (Illustration)
• Publisher: Collins Learning
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 9 to 12
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.03.2025
• EAN: 9780008698096
• ISBN: 978-0-00-869809-6
• Dimensions: 128 mm x 198 mm x 6 mm
• Weight: 167 g
• Illustrations: 16 b/w, illus
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE NONFICTION / General, JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Circus, Children's / Teenage fiction & true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories, Interest age: from c 9 years, For reluctant or struggling readers (children / teenagers), Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Activism & Social Justice, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories, JUVENILE FICTION / Places / Asia, Children’s / Teenage: Action & adventure stories