Asha & the Spirit Bird

Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2017
Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020
Longlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2019
Chosen as one of the Guardian's Best Books of 2019

'This book is such a light-filled, huge-hearted delight of an adventure.' KATHERINE RUNDELL

'An evocative debut novel ... satisfyingly classic in feel' GUARDIAN

'A heartfelt and mystical children's adventure story.' TELEGRAPH

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.