India-born American author Stephen Alter combines the natural history of Jabarkhet Nature Reserve in Mussoorie with magical elements that appeal to younger readers in his new book “The Secret Sanctuary”.

A short novel for children aged 10+, “The Secret Sanctuary” is intended to encourage students of all ages to explore the world of nature and to use their imaginations when they encounter wild birds and animals, says Alter, who lives in Mussoorie most of the year.

“The Secret Sanctuary,” published by Penguin Books India, grew out of Alter’s association with the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, a privately owned wildlife sanctuary in Mussoorie.

“I wanted to write a story for children set in JNR, combining the natural history of the sanctuary with magical elements that appeal to younger readers,” he told PTI.

Alter feels it is essential that school children learn to protect and preserve our environment. Alter’s next book is a novel about Jim Corbett, which he has just finished as is expected to come out in a year.