If you haven’t already had the pleasure of reading Farook’s previous titles (‘The Girl Who Stole an Elephant’ and ‘The Boy Who Met a Whale’), then you must make sure you go and find yourself copies after you’ve read her latest adventure: ‘The Girl Who Lost a Leopard.’

“Selvi is a wild child who loves climbing in the beautiful mountains behind her home. She is often joined by Lokka, a leopard with a beautiful coat and huge golden eyes. When hunters come for Lokka, Selvi is determined to fight.

But what can she do against such powerful enemies? Turn to her friends, of course! Now they just need the perfect plan…”

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The magic of Farook’s writing is her ability to transport readers right to the heart of a far away land with no more than a beautifully crafted sentence. Whenever I’m reading one of her stories, I can always imagine myself there alongside the characters as they have their adventures. ‘The Girl Who Lost a Leopard’ is no exception – I was right there as Salvi leapt through the mountain undergrowth and hid behind a waterfall.

Each of Farook’s stories is rooted in a deep respect for nature and wild animals. I love how the deep connections formed between humans and other animals are explored. She also doesn’t shy away from looking at those who wish to exploit animals – as we see with the hunters tracking the leopard, Lokka.

I would definitely recommend these books for readers aged 9+ who want an animal story with depth and adventure.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me this copy to review*