I adored this book by Nizrana Farook and whilst they dont have to be all read, it makes a great accompaniment to the Girl Who Stole an Elephant and The Boy who Lost a Whale. Set again on the island of Serendib, the main character likes being in the jungle and has befriended a leopard, but with the respect of knowing it is a wild animal. She doesn't have friends at school and ia often teased. She has to learn to work woth others and accept friendship to stop leopard poachers taking "her" leopard and it is such an adventure and absolutely brilliant at showing the power of children and friendships.

Our protagonist is Selvi, is a girl living on the island of Serendip with her mother, who works incredibly hard to make ends meet. They lead a simple life in an area surrounded by mountains, jungle and wildlife. The story begins, and we are introduced to Selvi’s best friend in the whole world - Lokka, a wild leopard. Not just any leopard, but one with rare golden ring patterned fur. Farook sets an inspiring scene describing the beautiful mountainous surroundings, the flowers and trees that are to be found in Sri Lanka, her home country.

The timeline of the book begins with a poacher’s arrow shooting towards Lokka. The reader follows Selvi and her experiences along a gripping adventure as she tries to prevent Lokka’s capture and being sold to the highest bidder by the poaching ring boss’s deadline. Woven seamlessly around the key conservation storyline is Selvi’s own emotional journey and friendship development. She has only recently been ‘allowed’ to attend school. Her mother’s brother (Uncle Kangaraja, a local man of status and power) had managed to keep her from school for so long and only with the influence and persistence of local teacher, Miss Heba, Selvi’s mother finally relents. Selvi’s world had been so small, traditional, simple. Going to school, already such a headstrong and self-sufficient girl (who can climb any mountain), she has to learn the difference between her friendship with Lokka and her friendships with the children from her new school whom she must learn to trust .

One day, one of the ‘mean’ kids in the class, Amir, discovers Selvi’s secret friendship with Lokka. What follows is a testing scenario of whether to let anyone into her world, a world that is emotive and fragile - just for her and Lokka. As with any child who is vulnerable, but incredibly tough, it’s not easy to trust and let others in, especially when the very little they hold sacred is at risk of being taken away. Forced to take a leap of faith following a near death accident when Amir, Selvi and Lokka fall over a precipice (I know!), Selvi realises that she alone won’t be able to outwit the poachers to keep Lokka safe.

Gradually the chatter in the classroom turns more and more to leopards and in a lovely moment we learn about Selvi’s fondness for her new teacher who “didn’t like being disturbed, but if there was a topic that everyone was interested in, she’d stop the lesson and discuss it.” The children learn that although there are leopards all over the island regardless of the change in landscape, there is a growing issue that where the number of humans increase, then the leopards’ territory decreases. This is unfortunately when a leopard can stray into a village and get killed to protect villagers. A debate occurs between the children at one point as to whether it is right to kill them, even for money; and in Lokka’s case, he’s rare and worth a fortune!

During a visit to Selvi’s Uncle’s house. Selvi discovers something truly alarming (I won’t ruin it for you!). There’s a banging at the door, it’s the children from school who have come to ‘rescue’ Selvi… they employ Satyagraha (Sanskrit, meaning "Truth-force”)… sitting in silent protest together at the front of the house refusing to leave… a non-violent philosophy term coined by Mahatma Gandhi in the early 1900s in India. The children had come to realise that the priority is to rescue, conserve, protect wild animals from all humans, even those who mean no harm like Selvi and her loyal friends, who had also learned to love Lokka.

Will they manage to stop the poaching ring and save Lokka before it’s too late!?

One of my favourite atmospheric scenes is when Selvi and Amir spot Lokka in the wild “gazing over his kingdom majestically” surrounded by the beautiful Serendip flowers, trees and mountains. Farook’s storytelling is engaging and relatable, taking friendship journeys children experience all around the world and placing them in a stunning setting steeped in rich and beautiful Sri Lankan culture and landscapes, whilst raising awareness of animal protection. I genuinely look forward to the new year knowing there's going to be new Nizrana Farook middle grade adventure out soon!!

Set on the same island, Serendip, as her previous 2 novels, this follows Selvi who runs free and is friendly with Lola, a wild leopard. The hunters are interested, and Selvi, with her new friends, tries to keep the leopard safe. She finds out that all is not as it seems with her uncle, and foils the plot to sell Lola. A fast paced and exciting read, it is atmospheric and beautifully written. More please!

This was a wonderful adventure from Nizrana Farook. I raced through it, desperate to learn of the fate of the leopard and that of Selvi and Amir. As an adult reader, I did quickly catch on to a link between 2 characters but this didn't spoil the story, and I'm sure it would be a lot less clear to the target audience.
The descriptive language built a beautiful picture of the jungle where Lokka the leopard lived and I really felt for new girl Selvi who hadn't yet made any friends at school.

As well as a class read aloud for Key Stage 2, this would be a brilliant book to promote discussion about the ethics around hunting animals for their coats/medicine.

Selvi loves roaming free and climbing in the beautiful mountains behind her home. She is often joined by an extraordinary companion, Lokka - a leopard with an unusual golden coat. Because of its unique fur, the leopard is being targeted by poachers. When hunters come for Lokka, Selvi is determined to fight. But how can she outwit such powerful enemies? Will the girl be able to find and save her beloved friend?

'The Girl Who Lost a Leopard' is Nizrana Farook's third book and they just keep getting better! I loved being back in Serendib, surrounded by the mountains and exotic plants. Nizrana Farook is a brilliant storyteller and she expertly doses suspense in her story. You'll find yourself saying, 'Just one more chapter...' And the chapters are of just perfect length - I think it's particularly important for less confident readers (and the more confident ones). Packed with peril, cliffhangers (quite literally) poachers and a majestic leopard, it's a gripping read. I really like Selvi as a character and her bond with Lokka is truly special.

'The Girl Who Lost a Leopard' is a fast-paced book about friendship and loyalty and finding yourself. It raises important questions about conservation and human settlements encroaching on the natural habitat of animals such as the leopard. It opens up many important discussions about poaching and 'traditional' roles and expectations of men and women. It's a brilliant book to be shared with your children and pupils.

'The Girl Who Lost a Leopard' was published by @nosycrow earlier this month. (Thank you Sîan for my gifted copy for review.) I'm already looking forward to Nizrana Farook's next book!

The Girl who lost a Leopard is another sure fire hit for author Nizraa Farook. The book is set on the island of Serendib (Sri Lanka) and it opens with the main character named Selvi, who watches as hunters are trying to bait and trap a leopard - her leopard - Lokka. Lokka is a wild leopard who has an affinity with the wild protagonist. Just like Lokka, Selvi wants to run free, but she is constrained by school and she also battles with her uncle who thinks she needs to be 'tamed.'


The story unfolds with interwoven problems threaded through its pages - Selvi trying to save Lokka from being hunted, trapped and sold to a trader; friendship; and family problems. The text is fast-paced and would be a great class read for KS2 - both lower and upper levels. I particularly liked how Farook wove in the issue of animal endangerment and the possibility of leopards becoming extinct - this lends itself to lots of scope for classroom discussions.


Farook's characters are always very vivid and realistic and Lokka and Selvi are of no exception. A recommendable read that would be enjoyed by those aged 9+.

I really enjoyed Nizrana Farook’s The Girl Who Stole An Elephant, so I was really happy to read another animal-based adventure from her. As a complete cat obsessive, I was taken in by the beautiful leopard on the cover too!

In a fictional Sri Lanka, Selvi loves walking and playing in the beautiful land around her village. She is often joined by a stunning golden leopard called Lokka but hunters are after the unique, valuable cat. Selvi will do anything she can to keep her leopard safe but she’ll need some help to make a plan against a group of determined poachers.

The descriptions of the landscape took my breath away. I didn’t want to stop wandering through the trees, cool waters or soft patches of earth. Selvi’s home sounded like a paradise that has been virtually untouched by human activity but the fact that evil still lurks there is heartbreaking. Of course, this is accurate to our world too. Even the most beautiful places on our planet will be plagued by humans trying to destroy it and use it for their own benefit.

I have been lucky enough to have seen many leopards in my time but Lokka was undoubtedly a special animal. He seemed to have a magical shimmer to him and I was completely mesmerised whenever he appeared. While real leopards might not ‘shimmer’ in the same way that he does, leopards at a very real risk of being killed for their fur and bones. The whole book reminded me of that and made me want to do even more to help save them.

The Girl Who Lost A Leopard is an exciting adventure with animal welfare at its centre. It’s about standing up for what you know is right, using true friendship to overcome evil and injustice and even learning to let go of things when the time is right. Selvi is a fantastic heroine whose cause I was always firmly behind and I loved that some of the characters were given redemption arcs by the end, while the real villains were exposed. Beautiful writing and gorgeous imagery kept the pages turning!

Nizrana Farook yet again pulls us into the marvellous worlds she describes so eloquently. I challenge any reader to not feel they want to he running with the characters in the book trying to protect the leopard. Each page left me wanting to read on and on. A great story for adventurous children (and clearly adults too as I loved it)

Set in a small Sri Lankan village near the forests, The Girl Who Lost a Leopards is a gripping middle grade eco-thriller about brave children and wildlife protection.

Twelve-year-old Selvi likes to run in the woods and is considered unruly by patriarchal standards. She is friends with Lokka, an unusual golden-ringed leopard. They spend time together and tacitly understand each other. But everything is about to change when Selvi sees two men attempting to poach Lokka, and Selvi is determined to save him. Friendship with other children blooms alongside the rescue mission.

For me, the book does has a few minor flaws. For example, the way Selvi and other kids fall for the poacher’s tricks seems more like a plot device than convincing behaviour, and the resolution is very idealistic — but maybe I am too influenced by my adult POV. Despite that, this is an absorbing story with a great message. I particularly appreciate the episode when the teacher gathers all the students in the class to have an open discussion about wildlife poaching, which is a pivotal moment for the children to understand why it is wrong.

Thank you Nosy Crow for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this story, it transported me to a place I’ve never been and a life I could never have imagined. Selvi is an extremely likeable character, and of course so is Lokka. I would recommend this to anyone who loves stories from other cultures.

Although I’ve wanted to read one of Nizrana Farook’s books for a while, I’ve never managed to swipe any of her books from by class library quick enough, because they are always taken by children in my class. Having been lucky enough to have secured an advanced copy of The Girl Who Lost a Leopard on NetGalley I can absolutely see why my class never put her books’ down!
This boo is full of hidden surprises, even as an adult I absolutely didn’t anticipate parts until they were revealed. This is what makes a book compelling to read for me.
An absolute must for any animal loving child’s bookshelf.

I have read and shared Nizrana Farook's previous titles - both I and the children at school enjoyed them, so this title had a lot to live up to! Selvi is a strong character and although her home and life might be very different, I thought she was easy to relate too. She and her mum work hard following the death of her father (this has happened before the story opens). Selvi has recently started school and is finding it difficult to adapt and make friends. She loves spending time in the jungle near her home and has a special connection with the leopard of the title. However, once this connection is discovered both Selvi and the leopard are in danger... A fabulous adventure story, this would work well as an end of day read for years 3 and 4 with lots to discuss, or for readers in year 5 and above to read for themselves. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Girl Who Lost a Leopard is another wonderful adventure in Nizrana Farook's signature style. Readers are transported to a world where nature and human life entwine. Themes of conservation, loyalty, trust and determination will inspire children to look beyond their everday and find ways they can make a difference.

The girl who lost a leopard by Nazrana Farouk
Published by Nosy Crow

Another fast-paced novel full of beautiful narrative that takes you right into the heart of Sri Lanka.
Selvi, a wild child who loves climbing in the beautiful mountains and through the deep forest with all its wild content, struggles to conform to her mother’s rules and those of the classroom.

Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books.
#Netgallery
#nosycrow

Truly loved this book and and I now must go and read the preceding two, not that it's a prerequisite as they are stand alone titles. Breathtaking is the word I'd used if I could only use one. It tells the tale of Selvi, a friendless wildling, who has a deep connection with Lokka the leopard.

When Lokka’s freedom is threatened by poachers Selvi fights, with the help of some unlikely allies in this perilous page turner. There's dreamt vocabular from Nizrana and I loved learning about animals, foods and plants that I’m not familiar with that are native to Sri Lanka. An absolute must read.

Nizrana Farook has her finger on the pulse of the kindred relationship between an animal and a trustworthy and kind child. We have witnessed this before in both of her previous books, and Selvi with Lokka is the same.

Selvi lives in the mountains on Serendib and there are plenty of leopards in the area, mostly keeping to themselves and away from humans. Solitary creatures, they hunt at night and sleep much of the day. Lokka is the most beautiful leopard in all of Serendib, which makes it even more dangerous for him. Poachers roam this land for treasures of the animal variety and Lokka will fetch a pretty penny at the port.

A local hunter has his eyes on Lokka but Selvi has her eyes on him too and will do everything to protect her kindred spirit. Beautifully written, this story is all too real, with animals being hunted for their fur, bones and skins to be sold, made into medicines or to be kept as trophies. Selvi is aware of the dangers in facing this poaching ring but she may not be prepared for just how close to home it reaches. Forced at times to choose between Lokka and her family, Selvi knows just what she must do and there is a true sense of connection between her and Lokka, with their morning sprints, his awareness and protection of her in the face of poachers.

I loved the character of Selvi, her utmost belief in Lokka and her determination to protect and save him, the true king of the mountains.

Another wonderfully told tale and I do so hope there will be more from Nizrana and Serendib!

This book is everything I would come to expect from Nizrana Farook's books. Vivid settings, strong characters and a wonderful, magical storyline. I was certainly not disappointed. Thank you for the ARC.

A roaring adventure! I love Selvi, her wildness, kindness and brilliance! Am amazed by the close encounter author Nizrana offers with Lokka, the leopard through Selvi, and the climax is just wow!

Thank you Nosy Crow and Netgalley for the eARC.

"I loved this story, it was exciting and I read it fast to see what would happen...." High praise indeed from my 8 year old avid reader!

Another page-turning animal adventure in a beautiful setting from Nizrana Farook. With fabulous characters and rich, evocative description teamed with a fast-paced plot, Selvi and Lokka's story had me hooked from the start.