Asha and the Spirit Bird

Description: "Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas in rural India, on the family farm with her mother. 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"--Dust jacket flap.

Review Quotes: "Bilan's story is an eye-opening adventure with one-sandalled foot in atmospheric realism and a toe-hold in the mythical." -- The Observer"An evocative debut...weaves ancient Hindu beliefs into a fast-past quest." -- The Guardian (Book of the Month)"A modern epic." --The Times"Weaves themes of faith, friendship and greed into a vibrant adventure with a rich seam of magic realism." -- The Bookseller