📚 Bookshelf Best: Puloma and the Bear – A Powerful Tale of Courage and Compassion

If you're searching for a beautifully told children's story that combines adventure, empathy, and a strong moral compass, look no further than Puloma and the Bear by Jasbinder Bilan. This evocative novel, set against the vivid backdrop of rural India, earns its spot on our Bookshelf Best list this month. 

🌟 A Bookshelf Best with a Big Heart 

Puloma and the Bear follows the journey of Puloma, a young, orphaned girl who is being raised by a cold and unloving aunt. When fate leads her into the world of a travelling circus, Puloma finally finds what she’s been longing for: shelter, food, and a flicker of friendship. 

But not everything under the big top is as magical as it seems. 

Among the trapeze acts and tinsel, Puloma meets Nyla, a gentle sloth bear held in captivity and forced to perform night after night. While the circus offers Puloma a place to belong, she cannot ignore the cruel reality of Nyla’s life. With courage and compassion at the heart of her actions, Puloma vows to help Nyla escape and return to the wild where she belongs. But will her daring plan succeed? 

Teaching From Text's Bookshelf Best: Puloma and the Bear

🐾 A Voice for the Voiceless 

This story doesn’t shy away from tough themes. Bilan’s narrative sheds light on the illegal captivity of animals and the importance of standing up against cruelty, even when it’s difficult. Young readers will connect deeply with Puloma’s emotional journey and her brave choice to fight for what is right. 

📖 Accessible, Impactful, and Perfect for Ages 8+ 

Written in a dyslexia-friendly format, this book is ideal for children aged 8 and above. Jasbinder Bilan’s powerful storytelling ensures that accessibility never comes at the cost of emotional depth. It’s a great pick for classrooms, school libraries, and home reading alike. 

Why Puloma and the Bear Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf 

• ✅ Empowers children to think critically about animal welfare 

• ✅ Promotes empathy, kindness, and courage 

• ✅ Engages reluctant readers with clear, accessible language 

• ✅ Offers a rich cultural setting that sparks curiosity 

Puloma and the Bear is more than just a story — it’s a call to action wrapped in a compassionate tale that will stay with readers long after the final page. 

📌 Add this to your reading list today.  💬 Have you read Puloma and the Bear? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 

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