Asha & the Spirit Bird

Author: Jasbinder Bilan
Publisher: Chicken House
Details: £6.99, 288pp, paperback
IBSN: 978-1911490197

As a class, our two most recent reads have been Kick by Mitch Johnson and The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave; both have been set in a culture different to our own and the children have thoroughly enjoyed learning about places, people and situations they would normally not experience themselves.

When we realised Asha & the Spirit Bird was set in India (we were welcomed with a glossary of Hindi and Punjabi words), the children were again delighted to learn something new.

Jasbinder Bilan’s wonderfully descriptive writing transports you to a village in the Himalayas (which can link to a brilliant writing lesson for children in creating a vivid scene for a reader through describing all the aspects that define its culture, such as the smell of the food and the sound of the animals) where the adventures of Asha and her friend Jeevan begin.

It’s a brilliant book for Years 4 to 6 in particular.

Sophie Bartlett is Year 6 teacher at Great Rollright C of E Primary School, Chipping Norton 

Pupil reviews

I have recently finished this fantastic book. It’s is full of action and you won’t want to put it down. I read it in just over two days and I think it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s so hard to choose a favourite character, but it would have to be either Asha, Jeevan or Nanijee, the spirit bird. The best part is when Asha’s family are reunited and they find the treasure in their well. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast stories with big adventure.

Rosie, Year 6

The story is about a girl called Asha and her friend Jeevan. After Asha’s father goes to work in the city, money gets tight and Asha’s father mysteriously stops sending in money. What can they do? Asha’s mother needs money to keep the farm running so she borrows it from a mean lady, but can she pay it back? Asha and Jeevan go in search of her father. A lovely descriptive story set in India which made me want to read on.

Isabelle, Year 4

I love this book because it is adventurous, happy and sad. I would definitely recommend it because it is soooo amazing. It is about two people who go on an adventure to find their dad. On the way, terrible things happen. If you are looking for a brilliant book, this is the one for you. I would rate this 5/5.

Ellie, Year 6

Asha & the Spirit Bird is a fun and adventurous story about a girl whose father has travelled far away for work and has not sent letters or money back for ages. Asha and her best friend, Jeevan, have to travel up a dangerous mountain, survive and work in a treacherous rubbish dump, in order to find her father.

It’s exciting with sorrow, happiness and friendship. It’s fascinating all the way through and has some questions, some of which are not answered. My favourite character is Attica because she reminds me of my little sister, Matilda - although my sister is cheekier! Asha’s family members are all different and unique: there’s her ma, her father and her little brother and sister, Rhona and Roopha. I love this book and would recommend it to other children who like fun, adventure and family.

Eleanor, Year 5

You can support us by clicking the book title link: we may earn a commission from Amazon on any purchase you make, at no extra cost to yourself

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact kate.parker@tes.com