Anya's Quest

Inspired by Hindu mythology, Anya’s Quest is an enchanting tale of a young girl’s journey to protect the planet, from the Costa-winning author of Asha and the Spirit Bird and renowned illustrator Jane Ray. A beautiful book to treasure for ever. The earth’s lullaby is falling silent. Our world is in danger… When the mighty goddess Ganga hears a forgotten melody in the night, she follows its tune to a palace in the icy Himalaya and to a young girl called Anya. For she has a quest for Anya – she needs her help to heal the fragile planet. Flying on her dragon Makara, Ganga leads Anya and her friend Mahi on an epic journey through time and across India, in search of elusive spirit animals and forgotten lullabies. Together, they must confront their fears and discover friends new and old, as they join their voices in a celebration of the planet.

Jasbinder Bilan was born in a stable in the foothills of the Himalayas that had been in her family for generations. Her debut novel Asha and the Spirit Bird won the prestigious Costa Children's Book Award and The Times Chickenhouse Fiction Prize. Her debut non-fiction India Incredible India was shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2023. Jasbinder studied for an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and now lives near Bath, in England, with her husband, two sons and an adorable dog named Enzo. She works as a teacher and in her free time (when she's not out walking Enzo), loves writing stories for children. Jane Ray has illustrated over 60 children's books, working with bestselling authors such as Michael Rosen, Carol Ann Duffy, Sita Brahmachari and Kevin Crossley-Holland. Jane was the IBBY UK Illustrator nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Awards in 2018, and has been shortlisted six times for the Kate Greenaway Award. She has also produced work for the Royal Opera House, Liberty Art Fabrics, Amnesty International and Polka Children's Theatres.