Tamarind & the Star of Ishta, Aarti & the Blue Gods 4 Books Collection Set by Jasbinder Bilan - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Tamarind & the Star of Ishta
Aarti & the Blue Gods

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Format: Paperback
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Overview:
Delve into two luminous adventures from the Costa Award-winning Jasbinder Bilan, where myth meets modern life and courage blooms in the most surprising places. This paperback collection brings together Tamarind & the Star of Ishta and Aarti & the Blue Gods, two evocative middle-grade novels that celebrate family, heritage, and the power of storytelling. Both stories unfold with lush imagery, warm-hearted first-person narration, and magical-realism threads that invite readers to trust their own instincts as they navigate unfamiliar settings and emotional truths. Tamarind follows a girl visiting her maternal family in the Himalayan countryside, where questions about identity, loss, and belonging surface amid secrets and a star-crossed mystery. Aarti asks big questions about tradition, friendship, and the ties that connect generations as a girl faces a world where myth and memory intersect. Perfect for readers ages 9–12, these books reward close attention and heartfelt empathy, offering immersive experiences that linger long after the last page.

What Makes This Collection Worth Owning:
This carefully curated pairing from a beloved author offers a twin reading journey: both titles lean into multicultural worlds where ancestry and self-discovery take center stage. Owning the set provides consistent tone and voice across two distinct, self-contained stories, making it ideal for classroom reading lists, family read-alouds, or a cozy at-home binge. The books complement each other thematically—identity, belonging, and resilience—while each delivers its own stand-alone arc, memorable characters, and emotionally satisfying conclusions. With beautiful cover design, premium paperback format, and a shared emphasis on empathy and wonder, this collection becomes a reliable, gift-worthy entrance into heartfelt, courageous storytelling for middle-grade readers and curious older readers alike.

Books Included in This Collection:
Tamarind & the Star of Ishta
Tamarind's life changes the moment she travels from England to the Himalayan family home of her late mother. Surrounded by lush gardens, a house full of relatives, and a compelling silence about the past, she chases clues that hint at a hidden family history. The story blends grief, identity, and myth into a quietly thrilling journey as Tamarind discovers a star ring and encounters a mysterious girl named Ishta. Told in Tamarind's candid, observant voice, the narrative invites readers to face difficult truths with courage and a sense of wonder. A luminous exploration of belonging, memory, and the healing power of stories.

Aarti & the Blue Gods
Aarti's world opens when she begins to trace her roots and question what it means to carry two cultural legacies forward. The novel threads together everyday friendship, family expectations, and the awe of mythic beings that feel vividly close to home. As Aarti navigates friendships and self-discovery, readers meet themes of identity, courage, and intergenerational connection that echo long after the last page. This is a tender, adventurous, and thought-provoking tale that invites young readers to explore belief, belonging, and the ways memory shapes who we become.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Young readers who crave magical realism grounded in emotional truth will feel seen and inspired by these books. They’re ideal for families seeking stories that celebrate heritage and curiosity without sacrificing page-turning momentum. Teachers and librarians will appreciate the accessible language, cultural richness, and classroom-ready discussion prompts that hover just below the surface of the adventures. The set also suits gift-buyers looking to spark a love of reading with warm, character-driven narratives that blend myth, family dynamics, and personal growth. Whether you’re building a diverse home library or searching for inclusively themed middle-grade reads, this collection has wide appeal.

Key Benefits:

• Two standalone, emotionally resonant novels in one value-packed set
• Rich, culturally textured worlds that broaden young readers’ horizons
• Compelling characters who model resilience, empathy, and courage
• Beautiful print design and accessible paperback format for easy sharing
• Strong discussion potential for parents, teachers, and classrooms
• Perfect for gifting to middle-grade readers exploring identity and belonging

About the Author:
Jasbinder Bilan is a Costa Award-winning author renowned for weaving myth, memory, and family into vivid, accessible storytelling for children. Her debut, Asha & the Spirit Bird, won the Costa Children’s Book Award, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary middle-grade fiction. Bilan’s work—including Tamarind & the Star of Ishta and Aarti & the Blue Gods—continues to resonate with readers who crave lyric prose, heartfelt emotion, and culturally rich worlds that feel both magical and personal. Her novels celebrate the power of stories to connect generations, bridge cultures, and illuminate the everyday bravery of young protagonists navigating identity and belonging.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This collection offers two beautifully crafted journeys that stand strong individually while sharing a common thread of self-discovery and cultural celebration. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for myth and heritage, plus accessible, inviting prose that invites rereads. It’s the kind of pair of novels that fuels discussion, inspires empathy, and strengthens a bookshelf with contemporary, award-winning writing. If you’re building a library that reflects diverse voices and timeless themes of family and courage, this set is a must-have addition that delivers on both heart and imagination.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.