- Illustrated Chapter Books
- Ages 8–12
- Adventure
The Ghost Leopard
A breathtaking Himalayan quest for the elusive snow leopard, from the bestselling author of The Last Bear, with luminous illustrations by Levi Pinfold. A standalone adventure about wildness, wonder and how far you'd go for something rare.
- Best for8–12
- FormatIllustrated
Affiliate links — buy through these retailers and we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Literary
- Lyrical
Tone
- Adventurous
- Exciting
- Heartwarming
- Inspirational
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Lucas Bright had big plans for the school holidays: chocolate, films and video games. His wildlife-photographer mum has other ideas, and Lucas finds himself trekking high into one of Nepal's greatest mountain ranges in search of the rarest, most elusive creature of all, the snow leopard, the ghost of the mountains. The trails are steep and treacherous, the air grows thin, and the tour group Lucas is travelling with are not quite who they seem. As the risks mount, Lucas must decide how far he is truly willing to go to glimpse a creature almost no one ever sees, and what he owes to the wild places and animals that need protecting. Hannah Gold, whose The Last Bear captured hearts around the world, delivers another unforgettable standalone adventure rich with atmosphere and heart, illustrated throughout by the award-winning Levi Pinfold. It is a story about courage, connection to the natural world, and the fragile magic of the mountains.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A read-aloud and independent adventure for 8-12s, accessible as a shared read from 7 thanks to the illustrations. There's real peril on the mountain but nothing disturbing, and its conservation heart gives it staying power for the whole family.
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 7–11
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
Moderate
Reluctant-reader friendly
Workable
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Reading together
- Gift-buying
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Animal lovers
- Nature fans
- Adventure fans
- Conservation
Avoid if
- Wants funny story
- Wants cosy bedtime
Particularly good for children who are…
- Interested in science
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
Lucas wanted a lazy holiday and got a life-or-death trek up the Himalayas instead, hunting a snow leopard almost nobody has ever seen. The danger is real, the group hides secrets, and the closer he gets to the ghost cat, the harder it is to look away.
- Adventure and freedom
- Going on a quest
- Surviving danger
- Making a difference
Why parents love it
Hannah Gold writes adventures that make children care about the natural world without ever preaching, and Levi Pinfold's illustrations make this one a keepsake. It's thrilling and tender at once, and opens up conversations about wildlife and what's worth protecting.
- Beautiful illustrations
- Conversation starter
- Great writing
About the creators
About the creators.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
