Nizrana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. She has a master’s degree in writing for young people, and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two daughters.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Boy who Saved a Bear is a fabulous adventure story for children about Nuwan, who longs to be recognised in his family. His older brother is the favourite child and rubs it in Nuwans face. When Nuwan watches the procession of elephants taking a special key to the queen, Nuwan sees his chance to prove himself by doing his brothers monthly trip, taking books from their library to the place the elephants are going to. It's a long journey that will take him two days there and back by foot. His parents rightly say no as Nuwan is only ten years old but determined to prove himself he sneaks off. Along the way, he is chased by villains who want something he has hidden within his books (unknowingly) and befriends a ferocious bear. The setting in this book was so beautifully written, and I found myself very vividly there! The book also has a great message for the reader to not compare yourself to others, believe in yourself, trust your intuition, and be brave. I've never read this author before, but I will definitely be reading more from them!
What a wonderful adventure! This is the first book I have read from this author but these books have been on my radar for a long time.
This adventure is all about nuwan who one day discovers a hidden very important key in a book at the library. Not realising it’s importance he sets off on a journey to send the key back to the queen before the false key is found. Along the way he has to watch out for the sneaky thieves and happens to make friends with a terrifying bear…
I really loved the adventure and the setting of the story, I felt really immersed from the beginning. I loved the bear and how the book characterises her so the readers love her but also doesn’t shy away from the fact she is a wild animal. The illustrations also add to the story beautifully. I really liked the message of believing in yourself and not comparing yourself to others, to be brave and trust your instincts.
One final outing in the most vividly described of settings. Serendib is one of the most beautifully realised locations in MG fiction at the moment. The plethora of new words and nouns that these stories expose the reader too is outstanding and makes for a fantastic learning experience. Similarly, the short punchy chapter structure means that drama and excitement is never far away either. Another new lead on a journey of self-discovery and a tensely brilliant animal encounter. Lots of teased connections to the other adventures of this land- another cracking story for 9+ (Thanks to Net Galley for this Amazing finale to the Nizrana Farook Quatrilogy).
There is nothing Islamic and there are no Muslim characters in this middle grade read, but this being the fourth and final standalone book on the island of Serendib, by a Muslim author, with a lot of heart, kid led adventure, and fun, made me want to share it here. The beginning is a little bumpy, and sure you have to suspend reality a bit, but this story about a boy, expectation, friendship, perseverance and saving the day, had me invested and cheering for Nuwan to succeed. The story is just under 200 pages, and I love the subtle references to the other three books with sight mentions of an elephant, a leopard, and a whale. If your kids liked the other books, they will love this, and if you are in need of an easy, fast paced adventure, this book is great for readers 8-12 years old. I felt slightly offended by *SPOILER* librarian villain, but it is a work of fiction, so I'm hoping one bad apple, doesn't dim the light on a very honorable profession.
SYNOPSIS:
A key has been found that opens an old statue and secret treasure, Nuwan wants a closer look and combined with him wanting to prove himself to his family that he is as capable as his older brother Krish, he finds himself sneaking into the library and discovering something unsettling going on. What starts out with him taking books from the North Library to the Kings City soon becomes him avoiding blame for stealing the key that is making its way to the queen, and saving a bear who wears the key around his neck from being captured by the wilderness authority for being dangerous.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that it is about a boy and a bear, but underneath the adventure it is about a boy accepting himself and finding his place in his family. His friend Sani has to help him see his worth, but she's a pretty fierce character and I like that they can have those kind of conversations. Nuwan is a good kid and it is nice to see that even though he doesn't see it, the reader sees how big his heart is, his strong his moral compass is, and how powerful his drive is. I do wish it said what was in the statue, or what happened to the librarian and her husband, but the conclusion stayed on the kids, and it was heartwarming.
FLAGS:
Lying, sneaking, stealing.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I doubt I'd do it as a book club, it is well below a middle grade reading level, but definitely is a must on school, classroom, and home book shelves. The added beauty is how pretty the book's cover is and how it is magnified when placed next to the "matching" books in the series.
Terrible as it seems I haven't read any of Nizrana Farook's books before! I will be now! This copy was kindly sent by Sian at Nosy Crow in advance. So here I am on my first trip to Serendib. And what a journey.
Nuwan and his friends Sani and Chathura are watching elephants arrive at the Great Library of the North to collect the Key of Nissanka, a recently found ancient key. This key will be taken on ceremonial procession to the Queen in the King's City in the south. Nuwan decides he can get into the library and see the key before it is put in the box. He makes it inside, because he says he is going to deliver the books his brother normally delivers to a monk in the Kings City. He sees the key, well he thinks he does. He takes the books and an old poetry book that has been hidden in the alcove where he hides from the librarian, thinking it would be good to read on the way.
His parents and Krish, his brother, tell him he cannot go. He sneaks out, his friend Sani won't go with him so he sets off alone. On the way he opens the poetry book - inside hidden in the hollowed out pages is a key....but it can't be, can it? It seems other people want to find Nuwan, he hides - in a bear cave! Here he meets Karadi, a bear with a reputation. The parents in his village tell their children stories about her to get them to behave! But does she really deserve this reputation?
Nuwan's relationship with Karadi is quite lovely. She seems to have an understanding about what is happening to Nuwan and she ensures that he understands what she will or won't do...she can roar quite loudly! He does have to explain that she won't hurt them when Sani finds him with her! But their are bad people who are after him, they try to use Karadi's presence to their advantage. But can Nuwan get to the King's City and have an audience with the Queen. Nuwan's relationship with Sani is loving, Sani is so supportive of Nuwan and on the way she makes him think differently about his parents and the way he perceives that they treat him.
The description of Serendib is just lovely. This gives some insight into the family life, history and customs of the country. Read it, you won't regret it.
Another book of adventures on the island of Serendib and Nizrana Farookz has done it again. A wonderful story, full of rich description about the island, the landscape and the forests so that you feel like you there and that it is real. Nuwan decides to take his brother's place taking some library books to a monk who lives in the King's city. His brother is ill but his parents don't think Nuwan is old enough to go. At the library he witnesses a special, long lost key being handed over to a ceremonial procession to return it to the Queen where elephants will carry it and stop at all the villages along the way. Nuwan finds another key hidden in a book at the library and realises the one on the elephants is fake. Soon he finds himself on the run and in a race against the elephant procession to return the key go the Queen so he is not considered the thief. He takes refuge in a cave and realises it is inhabited by a bear, but not just any bear...Karadi, the bear families threaten their children with if they are bad. Nuwan and Karadi travel together to the King's compound, encountering danger and excitement along the way, whilst trying to evade capture by the people who want the key back. Short, fast paced chapters and intriguing endings that make you want to read the next chapter will appeal to lots of children. This makes a wonderful 4th book to the animal series and if you haven't read The Girl who Stole and Elephant, The Boy Who Met a Whale and The Girl who Lost a Leopard then they are a must. There is a wonderful nod to them all at the end...the brave heroes of Serendib!
I devoured @nizrite 's last three books so I was so excited for this one. It definitely did not disappoint!
We are transported back to the fictional island of Serendib where a seemingly deadly sloth – Karadi - bear befriends a young boy - Nuwan to save the island’s historical artefacts and save him from evil librarians. They encounter excitement and danger on their journey to the King’s compound.
The story is fast-paced, epic adventure, the hugely descriptive language draws the reader in and the short, sharp chapters make for a pacey read. Themes in the book include empathy, perseverance and resilience. If you have read Farook’s prior books (which you definitely should) you will appreciate the references to previous characters and their stories which are scattered throughout the book.
Thoroughly loved it! Highly recommend for KS2 readers but also great to be read to children aswell.
I’m a huge fan of Nizrana Farook so when I was given the chance to review this new book, I pounced on it. I’ve read all of her other books and loved them! This one was no exception. It’s brilliant! In fact, I want a sloth bear to come live with me! The way the bear is written to have a personality all it’s own is great. It makes the reader see the bear in a different light, not just as an animal. Nuwan’s journey is really one of self discovery as he realises that he is special and loved, not in the shadow of his older brother as he thought. The descriptive writing in this book pulls you right into the story, whether it’s a bear cave, big city or rainforest, you’re there. The story is entertaining as well as used to teach a lesson or three. Can’t wait for her next book!
Really lovely story of perseverance and self-faith from an author who writes gorgeous stories about children facing their demons. Nuwan doesn’t feel like his parents trust him nor does he feel that he’s particularly trustworthy. But when he decides to try and prove himself he falls into saving the kingdom from greedy locals and along the way he saves a bear. Touches on the power of friendship and in Nuwan’s quest to save the Kingdom he ends up proving to his family, and himself, that he’s not as little or as useless as he feared. Thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for this e-arc.
A cozy adventure suitable for childrens! Nuwan is a boy who always feel small compared to his brother Khris. One day, in his town library something big is happening! The librarians found a key that has been lost and hold secrets to a treasure and they’re going to give it to the Queen. But accidentally Nuwan found out that the key is fake, and he has the real key! He only has 5 days to prove to deliver the real key to the queen. So he started his journey where he met Karadi, the bear whom has been a legend in his village!
This is such a quick read! It’s fun to see how Nuwan-Karadi relationship grows along the journey. Makes you think that actually might be Bear is not as a beast as we think? I’ll recommend this book for any children!
Altra avventura dell'isola di Serendib, questa volta abbiamo Nuwan, un'orsa e i due classici adulti cattivi. La storia si sviluppa con lo stesso ritmo delle precedenti: si scopre un malfatto, il protagonista inizia il viaggio con i cattivi alle calcagna, fa amicizia con l'animale di turno (un'orsa in questo caso), mini avventure rocambolesche, minacce dai cattivi, un piano per sgominare i cattivi e entrata trionfale con risoluzione dei problemi davanti alla folla e conseguente arresto dei cattivi. Anche questo libro è perfetto per ragazzi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a wonderful middle grade fiction story set on a fantasy tropical island where a 12 year old boy sets out to prove himself to his family. Along the way, he gets involved in a plot to trick the queen and befriends a bear to help save the day. It has a great message for young people about believing in yourself. It's also great to see a diverse and interesting setting for books targeted at this age range!
Following Nuwan, a young boy who feels like he is constantly being compared to his bigger, and better brother. He goes on a journey after discovering a hidden secret, while trying to get it to it's rightful owner he adventures through Serendib, meets a bear and adventure just follows. Nuwan discovers a lot about himself and he tries to keep the secret and his new friend safe.
I read this in 24 hours. What a heartwarming story. The friendship between a boy and a bear, all to do what's right. I'd recommend this for anyone older than 8.
Nuwan besluit de taak van zijn zieke broer over te nemen en boeken te gaan bezorgen bij een monnik die 2 dagen reizen ver woont in de stad van de koning. Dan blijkt hij per ongeluk een belangrijke sleutel bij zich te hebben. Samen met Sani en de beer Karadi beleeft hij een waanzinnig avontuur.
Wederom een prachtig verhaal💚 Het vierde boek over Serendib. Mooi hoe op het einde de verhalen bijelkaar komen. Een aanwinst voor de schoolbibliotheek!
Started and finished date - 04.01.25 to 06.02.25. My rating - three Stars. This book was okay read but I didn't love it and the cover of book was stunning also the writing was okay and the paced of plot was fine. The atmosphere was good and the the ending of the book was okay. The characters was fine but I would have like them flash out bit more
The Boy Who Saved a Bear By Nazanna Farook Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
From the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant comes another brilliant page-turner. Farook has done it again to bring us another story full of nature, adventure, determination and bravery.
This fourth thrilling adventure is set in a fictional Sri Lanka and tells the story of Nuwan who works at the library, delivering books. But when he accidentally takes away an undiscovered, valuable key that's been hidden inside one of the books, everything changes.
On the run from dangerous thieves, through unknown territory, Nuwan hides in a cave, only to discover that he is sharing it with a terrifying bear! Then here starts a relationship like no other; full of trust, love and commitment to one another, this relationship grows as does their journey to uncover the truth.
Travelling on together, evading the bad guys and hoping the key will unlock the answers to the mystery is their only choice. jam-packed with peril, thieves and a
Nazanna Farook writes from the heart, teaching us to live in harmony alongside animals and nature. But she also gives us characters full of strength and love so we can learn from our mistakes and make amends.
A boy and a bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives! What’s not to love? Pick yourself up a copy and take yourself on a beautiful journey of discovery, commitment and hope.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
Nizrana Farook transports is back to the fictional Serendib for yet another heart-warming adventure. Nuwan feels constantly in the shadow of Krish, his seemingly perfect older brother. His parents are always comparing him to Krish, who Nuwan believes can do no wrong in their eyes. So, when Krish falls ill and is unable to do his book deliveries, Nuwan sees his chance. He will deliver the books to the King’s City and prove to his family that he isn’t useless after all. However, when Nuwan uncovers a plan to steal an important historical artefact, it becomes a race against time to reach the Queen before she is presented with a fake and the thieves get away. And to make matters worse, he must save Karadi the bear from the hunters determined to track her down and destroy her. This is a heart-warming, feel good adventure, with an exciting but easy to follow plot for younger middle grade readers. Nuwan and Sani are great characters; Sani providing some great dry wit! I loved the development of self-discovery we see in Nuwan and his relationship with Karadi is delightful. Fans of Farouk’s Serendib series will certainly not be disappointed with this latest instalment. Thank you to Netgalley, Nosy Crow and Nizrana Farook for the eARC.
An amazing thriller about a boy who took on his brother's job and he ends up with the most important key in the world. As people try to steal it for glory he returned the key to the queen with a bear at his side.
A book that features books, lots of them, stories, a Great Library, plenty of adventure, one young boy and a very big bear makes for a fantastic mix especially when almost all these ingredients feature in the first few pages.
If this is your first introduction to a story told by Nizrana Farook then you are in for a treat. Set in her home county of Sri Lanka the sweeping landscapes that she describes certainly make me wish I was there, the adventures that she sends her characters on too. Not only does it make me, and I am sure you want to be there, but it also gives her the opportunity to share more about the wonders of the setting and encourage all our imaginations to wander just a little farther than they might usually.
Nuwan is a dreamer, but his dreams have always been of adventure for this is what he craves. When he finds himself hiding in the cave of a bear this seems exciting, but it is only the start. If, and this does seem like a big if to him, he gets out of the cave alive then his task is to take the stolen key of Nissanka on a journey all the way to the King’s City. This is going to be a very big adventure, quite literally the adventure of a lifetime but Nuwan is not going to be on his own for he is going to persuade the ferocious bear Karadi, to go with him on his journey. Now he has two challenges, he must get to the city in time, and he must also save the bear from jungle dangers.