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Puloma and the Bear

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Book Synopsis

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 …

Our Review Panel says...

Jasbinder Bilan’s books are always so lovely and heartwarming. They also have a powerful message within the pages, and this short and accessible animal story is no exception.

Puloma lives with her aunt and uncle after being orphaned. She isn’t treated very kindly, so she runs away. Joining the circus seems the perfect solution. Their encounters Nyla, a sloth bear who is forced to dance and is mistreated. Puloma escapes with Nyla in search of safety.

Puloma is a wonderful character. Lonely at first, she soon shows her brave, strong morals. She knows the way Nyla is treated is wrong. The story is well written and touches on the world of animal cruelty. There is a section at the back explaining India’s sloth bear protection and conservation projects. This book is also dyslexia-friendly.