Salima is a short fantasy novel intended for children aged 8 - 12. The central character is Jo, a bright ten year old girl who loves stories. She and her favourite teddy bear Lucas have a frightening encounter in the woods near her home, and this is the start of the biggest story of her young life. A strange new friendship prompts her to a simple act of kindness. This leads her into a colourful tale from long ago and far away. It is a story of conflict between the love of learning and the demands of a harsh and dark religion which still has resonances in today's world. But for Jo it is above all the story of a deeper friendship than she has ever experienced before.