In the Meadow of Fantasies
OverDrive Read Series
What’s inside...
Written by IBBY's Best Book Award winner, Mohammad Hadi Mohammadi, In the Meadow of Fantasies follows a young girl with a physical handicap as she embarks on a mystical journey with seven mysterious horses. From her room, she is drawn into an adventure with the horses, each unique in color, dreams, families, and origins, depicted in exquisite drawings. The seventh horse, an enigmatic figure, eventually reveals its identity through the love and offerings of the other horses. This story beautifully explores themes of dreaming and caring for others, encouraging young readers to embrace their own fantasies and care for those around them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the different creatures in the meadow represent in our world?
How do you feel when the characters encounter challenges and how do they overcome them?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
What is your favorite part of the meadow described in the book and what makes it special to you?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting, like a mountain or an ocean?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the meadow and its inhabitants by asking them to draw their favorite scene or character.
Use expressive reading to enhance the magical elements of the story, varying your tone and pace to match the narrative moments.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter, discussing possible solutions together.
After reading, ask your child to imagine their own fantasy meadow and what creatures or adventures it might hold, fostering creative thinking.
Celebrate your child's responses and insights, emphasizing that there are no wrong answers in how they interpret the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the book, various creatures in the meadow show kindness and understanding towards each other's feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the emotions and perspectives of others, aiding social interactions at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how the creatures in the meadow work together to solve problems and help each other.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of cooperating and collaborating with others to achieve common goals in group settings like classrooms or sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the story often face challenges, but they show bravery and resilience to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with courage and not to give up easily, fostering resilience in the face of difficulties.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The setting of the book in a meadow full of life underlines the beauty and importance of natural environments.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, respect, and protect nature in their own surroundings.