Author & Illustrators
Nylah the cat just wants to play, but everyone is too busy! As she goes from house to house, families are hanging decorations, making delicious food, wrapping gifts, trying on new clothes and decorating their hands with henna. Mischievous Nyla seems to get wrapped up in it all, but her ‘help’ is not welcome. ‘Poor Nyla!’
Eventually, after being shooed home, the curious cat falls asleep, only to be woken very early for a party! Nyla finally finds out what they are all preparing for when the community comes together for a big Eid celebration in the park, where everyone wants to play!
This has superb representation of different Muslim families and there is a real community feel to the story. With information from the author in the back matter too, this makes a perfect introduction to Eid for EYFS and KS1 settings.
Set in a Sri Lanka, this adventure story tells the story of a friendship between a boy and a bear.
During his work as a deliverer of books, a boy called Nuwan mistakenly comes to possess a valuable key that implicates him in a crime. On the run, he befriends a terrifying bear and before long the pair find themselves on a thrilling adventure during which they must unlock big secrets, stop the criminals and find their way safely home again.
I’m a huge fan of Nizrana Farook so when I was given the opportunity to review this new book, I pounced on it. I’ve read all of her other books and loved them! This one was no exception and it made me want a sloth bear to come live with me so that I can protect it! The way the bear’s character and personality were written helps the reader to develop empathy and see the bear in a different light, not just as a dangerous animal. Nuwan’s journey is really one of self discovery as he realises that he is special and loved, not in the shadow of his older brother as he thought. The evocative settings pull you right into the story, whether it’s a bear cave, big city or rainforest, you’re there.
Highly recommended for classrooms, the super choice of a story covers themes close to the hearts of of KS2 children including animal protection, self-understanding and friendship.
As with Nizrana Farook’s other books, The Girl Who Lost a Leopard is set on the island of Serendib (the old Persian name for Sri Lanka). In this adventure, we met Selvi, who lives with her mum and who’d rather spend time in the mountains than in school. Her uncle helps the family out but disapproves of Selvi’s lifestyle.
Selvi befriends Lokka, a rare golden leopard who lives in the mountains behind her home. One day on her visit to Lokka, she encounters poachers who are desperate to capture him. While escaping the poachers, Selvi comes across Amir, a boy in her class, who hides her. Can they become friends and work together to save Lokka from the poachers?
This is a story of adventure and friendship. The relationship between Selvi and Amir takes a while to build and shows that friendships take work to succeed. The setting of the Serendib mountains will transport children to a place that many are likely to know very little about and provide an opportunity to introduce them to different lifestyles and cultures.
The issue around animal hunting is interesting to explore and would make the basis for a good class discussion. The relatively short chapters help to keep the story moving at a good pace and make it an easy book to dip in and out of. This will make it all the more appealing for children who are daunted by longer chapters and books.
An exciting new middle-grade adventure from Nizrana Farook filled with atmosphere, suspense and adventure with elements of Robin Hood and Arabian Nights.
Set in the dazzling landscapes of Sri Lanka, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is the story of a girl called Chaya and her friends Neel and Nour. Quick-fingered Chaya is a young version of Robin Hood; she steals from the rich to help the poor in her village. However, when she steals the Queen’s jewels, things begin to go horribly wrong. Not only does she put herself in grave danger, but her actions also bring harm to her best friend Neel and the people of her village.
Loyally, Neel takes the blame for Chaya’s actions and is sentenced to death. Chaya knows that she must act quickly if she is going to save him and a gripping and adventurous escape begins. Along the way, they meet Nour, a young girl from a wealthy background who opts to join their cause.
Before long, everyone they know seems to have come under threat as a result of their actions. The King will stop at nothing to capture them, especially as they have stolen his prize elephant as well. Will these young protagonists be able to save the ones that they love and escape death? Or will it mean the end for all of them?
This is a KS2 must-read with an evocatively drawn setting, perfect for anyone who loves adventure stories.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
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