Reading lists and articles featuring Jasbinder Bilan

Jasbinder Bilan Biography

Awards and Accolades

• Jasbinder Bilan is a distinguished Indian-born British author and teacher, celebrated for her significant contributions to children’s literature.
• Recipient of the prestigious Costa Book Award for Children’s Book in 2019.
• Awarded the top position in The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition in 2017.
• Recognized as a finalist for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in Younger Fiction in 2020.
• Longlisted for the esteemed Jhalak Prize in 2020, showcasing her remarkable literary talent.
• Asha & the Spirit Bird, one of her notable works, earned the title of “Children’s book of the week” by The Times.

Early Life in India

• Jasbinder Bilan was born on the family farm in India, nestled near the Himalayas, a region that profoundly influenced her upbringing.
• Her early years were filled with the charm of rural life, surrounded by diverse animals, including a memorable grumpy camel and an adopted monkey named Oma.
• Fond memories include sitting beneath the starry skies, creating bonfires, and sharing stories with family, fostering her lifelong love for the magic of storytelling.
• Despite being born in a stable, her roots on the family farm remained a cherished part of her identity, even after a significant move.

Transition to England

• At the age of one-and-a-half, Jasbinder Bilan and her family embarked on a transformative journey from India to Nottingham, England.
• This relocation marked a shift from the rural to the urban, bringing new challenges and experiences.
• Despite the change in surroundings, her family’s traditions and stories kept the spirit of India alive during gatherings in their new city life.

Passion for Writing

• As a young girl, Jasbinder Bilan discovered her passion for writing, creating stories from a tender age.
• Her childhood fascination with imaginative tales, sparked during family storytelling sessions, paved the way for her future as an accomplished author.
• Unbeknownst to her younger self, this passion evolved, eventually leading to her dream of becoming a published author.

Coming of Age in Nottingham

• Settling in Nottingham, Jasbinder Bilan shared her childhood with a large family of six, enjoying outdoor adventures with close cousins.
• Accompanied by their German Shepherd, Sabre, they explored city parks and cherished visits to Wollaton, a sprawling deer park.
• Wollaton, a place where imagination flourished, became even more enchanting at dusk, highlighting the freedom and creativity of her upbringing.
• Escapes to the countryside with her aunt and uncle provided cherished moments of walking by the river, biking, and climbing trees.

Jasbinder Bilan remains connected to her roots and nature, showcasing her commitment as a member of Authors 4 Oceans, advocating for cleaner waters and a healthier planet.

Website and social media

• Website, events and visits
• Twitter
• Instagram

Book lists featuring Jasbinder Bilan