Tamarind & the Star of Ishta

Subjects

Fantasy Worlds - awesome adventures of magic and mystery
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Facts & Information - lists, stats and plenty of facts
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Facts & Information - lists, stats and plenty of facts
Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills

Average rating

5 out 5

From the author of the Costa Award-winning Asha &
the Spirit Bird comes a breathtaking, magical adventure
…
WINNER OF THE INDIE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD

LONGLISTED FOR THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD ‘I absolutely adored it … an achingly beautiful story’ Sita Brahmachari ’A lush, gorgeous setting in a novel as vivid and original as her Costa-winning debut.’ The Guardian ’Beautifully written, richly atmospheric and touchingly spiritual, this brief novel sparkles like a polished gem’ Daily Mail Tamarind never knew her Indian mum, who died soon after she was born. So when she arrives at her ancestral home, a huge mansion in the Himalayas surrounded by luxuriant gardens, she’s full of questions for her extended family. But instead of answers, she finds an ominous silence – and a trickle of intriguing clues: an abandoned hut, a friendly monkey, a glowing star ring, and a strange girl in the garden who calls herself Ishta. Slowly, Tamarind unravels a mystery at the heart of who she is … A spellbinding adventure filled with mystery, adventure, family secrets and hidden magic From Costa Award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed voices in children’s fiction Perfect for readers aged 8-12 who love Katherine Rundell, Emma Carroll, Hannah Gold and stories rich in mystery and wonder MORE PRAISE FOR JASBINDER BILAN: ‘A deliciously addictive, one-sitting type of read’ NIZRANA FAROOK ‘A beautiful weaving of myth and magic … Simply stunning’ ZILLAH BETHELL ‘Jasbinder Bilan’s stories are always magical, her descriptive prose a joy to read’ TIA FISHER ’A lyrical, heartfelt, legendary quest in a wonderfully crafted world’ SOPHIE ANDERSON

I have read this book

I really like this book because of its deep story, realistic scenarios and dilemmas. Without a doubt this is one of the best books I have read and would highly recommend it.

Ambassador Catapult Mittens 15.08.2025

I enjoyed reading this book. It was really good compared to all the other ones. I feel like this was all about a mystery. Yeah, loved this book. 1000/10

Nurse Mildred Costa-Rica 07.08.2025

it was a very moving and powerful book age 9+

Esquire Quincy Palm-tree 18.12.2023

I thought that this book was a bit mysterious and dangerous at the end. I liked Tamarind best because she is Indian but lives in England. I would recommend this book to someone who likes action and adventure.

Anonymous 04.09.2022

I liked the bit where she made friends.

Director Wanda Foxtail 31.07.2022

This book is fabulous and adventurous.

Anonymous 23.07.2022

I love this book because its talking about a girl and her mum's family that accuses her of her mother's death but she didn't loose confidence

General Pixie Legend 18.07.2022

it shows different cultures

Professor Kangaroo Glitterball 06.07.2022

Tamarind was my favourite! She saved her mean cousin Sufia from being attacked by wolves, even though she did not like her.

Queen Harmonica Astronomical 14.02.2022

Love the book about young tamarind growing up without a mum and finally understood the truth

Baroness June Sunshine 05.09.2021

an awesome book

Anonymous 28.08.2021

A heartwarming family story about a girl who meets the ghost of her deceased mother. This was as gripping and unputdownable- actually, much better, as Bilan's debut novel 'Asha & The Spirit Bird'. I was always guessing what was to happen next and this lovely story will definitely be a one that stays with you after turning the last page. I was swept away by words to a magical world of spirits and memories- I definitely recommend to all fantasy-lovers, and is suitable for children and young adults.

Anonymous 26.08.2021

I loved hearing about Tamarind's mum and the swing on the Tamarind tree. My favourite character was either Tamarind, Hanu or Sufia. I would really recommend this book to people who like a story about a family. If I could, I would rate this book 10/5 stars!

Captain Kiki Vampire 23.08.2021

Tell us what you thought? I LOVE this book and it is in my top three best books!!! Write down your thoughts about what you have read? I love how it was set in India and the storyline. If it was fiction, which person did you like best? My favourite person was Tamarind of course but, only just though. If it was factual, why did it interest you? I just love leaning, nature and adventure. Would you recommend this book to someone else? YES YES YES I have told my mum and about it and how I with there was another one.

Queen Pixie Wellington 15.08.2021

IT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!I would totally recommend it even though it was quite sad. My favourite character was Tamarind.

Princess Fifi Slingshot 14.08.2021

I liked Tamarind, the main character of the story. I would recommend this book to a reader who likes adventure stories.

Officer Bubbles Sudoku 12.08.2021

This book was about a girl called Tamarind who went to stay with the family of her Mum (who died when she was a baby) in India. While she is there mysterious things happen and she meets a golden monkey and a girl called Ishta. This book was an adventure story and I enjoyed how exciting it was. My favourite character was Hanu. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a mystery to solve.

Judge Quincy Tinkle 10.08.2021

tamarind because he was so much crazy

Constable Pablo Chipperfield 09.08.2021

i think that this book was quite captivating read. The person which i like the best is Ishta her mother who form the book is quite a skilled archer I Would recommend this captivating fictional book to ages 10+.

Anonymous 08.08.2021

I loved this book, it’s full of secrets and it’s a bit wild. It was amazing the way Tamarind rind brought her mother’s spirit back to the garden.

Empress Rose Shortbread 07.08.2021

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