Puloma and the Bear - Author Jasbinder Bilan

In Puloma and the Bear, award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan delivers a heartfelt, fast-paced adventure about bravery, justice, and compassion.

Puloma feels unwanted and alone in her aunt’s harsh home, until a chance encounter leads her to a travelling circus. There she finds work, shelter, and a mysterious sense of unease among the performers. Soon she uncovers the truth: the circus’s star attraction, a sloth bear named Nyla, is being forced to dance in a cruel, outdated practice that has long been banned in India.

With quiet strength and growing courage, Puloma must decide how far she is willing to go to protect Nyla and whether she can save them both.

Perfect for independent readers, this short but powerful chapter book blends real-world animal rights issues with vivid storytelling and emotional depth.

Why we (and schools) love it:

• Explores Animal Rights and Empathy: Encourages ethical reflection and discussions about kindness, activism, and courage.
• Rich Cultural Context: Introduces readers to contemporary and traditional elements of life in India.
• Accessible and Impactful Format: Short chapters and strong narrative voice make it perfect for emerging readers and ESL learners.