Throughout Asha and The Spirit Bird, Tamarind and the Star of Ishta and Aarti and the Blue Gods, multi-award winning children’s author Jasbinder has delighted readers with tales of nature and wild places. 

It’s perhaps little surprise given that these themes are woven into Bilan’s life story. According to family lore, she was born in a stable by the Himalayas and lived on a farm with a grumpy camel and a monkey named Oma before relocating to Nottingham with her siblings for more adventures. 

Jasbinder joins us to share the inspiration behind her work and stories from her fantastical childhood, before giving you the chance to create your own magical island.

Ages 7 years+

About The Author

Headshot of author Jasbinder BIlan

Jasbinder Bilan

According to family stories, Jasbinder was born in a stable close to the foothills of the Himalaya. Until she was a year and a half, she lived on a farm inhabited by a grumpy camel and a monkey called Oma.
Jasbinder grew up in Nottingham and adored having adventures with her siblings and German Shepherd dog Sabre. In her writing she loves creating magical worlds inspired by her love of nature and wild places. She now lives in a wooded valley close to Bath with her husband, two grown-up boys and dog Enzo.
Asha And The Spirit Bird, Jasbinder’s debut won the Costa book award. It was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize.
Tamarind And The Star Of Ishta was long-listed for the Blue Peter Award and won the Indie book award.