Anya’s Quest
Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Jane Ray
Walker Books

Little does Anya know when she complains to her papa of boredom that she is soon to embark on a vital quest. With her goes Mahi, the cook’s daughter with whom Anya reluctantly accepts as someone to play with in the snow. Anya is called by the goddess, Ganga and the two girls step into a chariot drawn by Ganga’s river dragon spirit companion and they undertake an epic journey through time and right across India.

As they fly Ganga explains that she urgently needs their help to heal the terrible damage that greedy, thoughtless humans have done to the fragile planet over time. They search for elusive spirit animals, lullabies long forgotten and while so doing Anya realises that she’s treated Mahi badly and apologises asking that the two become friends. Friends who can communicate effectively with the children of the world about the horrendous, pollution and its effects and save everything before it’s too late. The girls have to be brave, confront their fears and Anya has to dig deep within herself and connect with her ancestors as her friend has always done. She also needs to find a sacred star-shaped flower from her dreams, said to have healing powers, and use it to help a wounded bear cub.: could the bear be Anya’s spirit animal?

Once Ganga knows both girls are ready, she tells them that they ‘need to join the songs of all the children and sing the earth lullaby’, and thereby gradually heal the planet just like Anya helped the bear cub to heal. She also enlists the help of the other gods to support the earth healing cause and so more and more appear to join in ‘the celebration of sharing the lullabies and the message of hope.’ Finally with a promise to Ganga to do their utmost, the girls return home to the palace where anxious parents await and Anya and Mahi regale them with an account of their adventure and how they intend to make changes in their own lives.

Jasbinder Bilan’s thoroughly enchanting tale inspired by Hindu mythology, and equally enchantingly illustrated by Jane Ray, combine to make a truly gorgeous book. It’s one that will make a superb gift for a special occasion be that Diwali, a birthday, Raksha Bandhan or even Christmas.