Ahmed and the Feather Girl
What’s inside...
Ahmed is a poor orphan who lives with a travelling circus and works for cruel Madame Saleem. His life is changed forever when he finds a beautiful egg in the forest and brings it back to the circus. From the egg hatches a little girl called Aurelia, who grows feathers and wings. Madame Saleem cages Aurelia as the top circus attraction. Ahmed knows he must free Aurelia, and when he does, Madame Saleem retaliates, making his life miserable. All hope seems lost until Aurelia visits Ahmed in a dream, bringing him a feather. This tale of magic, enchantment, and freedom, packed with evocative illustrations, is a triumph from a master storyteller and illustrator of children's books.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ahmed felt when he found the Feather Girl?
What would you do if you were Ahmed and found a magical feather?
Why do you think the Feather Girl wanted to return to her bird form?
How did Ahmed help the Feather Girl, and what does that teach us about helping others?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Ahmed’s shoes, which can help them connect more deeply with his emotions and choices.
Discuss the concept of freedom and transformation portrayed in the book, relating it to personal experiences or desires.
Ask your child how they perceive the colorful illustrations, to enhance their engagement and appreciation for visual storytelling.
Highlight themes of kindness and bravery from the story, and relate them to real-life qualities and situations.
Use expressive reading to make the magical elements of the story come alive, making the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Ahmed shows genuine care and concern for the feather girl, demonstrating empathy and kindness throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being empathetic and kind to others, reflecting these behaviors in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Ahmed's journey to help the feather girl is filled with challenges, yet he remains courageous and continues to persevere.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face difficulties with bravery and to not give up easily, skills that are important in overcoming obstacles in school and life.
Example Lesson: Importance of helping others
Explanation: By helping the feather girl find her freedom, Ahmed demonstrates the value and joy of helping others without expecting anything in return.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to help those in need, fostering a sense of community and personal fulfillment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The magical elements of the feather girl's world inspire wonder and encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to use their imagination more freely and creatively in both play and problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Ahmed accepts the feather girl despite her being different from anyone he has known, which teaches respect for diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to embrace and respect people's differences, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions at school and elsewhere.