Ahmed and the Feather Girl

Gr 2—4—Ahmed, an orphan who travels with the circus owned by cruel Madame Saleem, finds a golden egg one winter while gathering firewood. He carefully builds a nest and places the egg near a fire, but Madame snatches it away and locks it in a cage. Ahmed watches the egg, which hatches a beautiful, singing girl whom the circus people name Aurelia. Madame Saleem keeps her locked away, puts her on display, and collects much money from the people who come to see and hear her. Every night, after Ahmed finishes his chores, he sleeps next to Aurelia's cage. She has sprouted feathery wings, and in the summer he senses her unhappiness and longing to fly. When she stops singing altogether, Ahmed steals the key and releases her. He dreams that Aurelia visits him and gives him a soft feather each night, and finds one each morning. Finally he has enough feathers for a cloak, and on a cold, snowy night, he and Aurelia fly away. Told in captivating language, this modern fairy tale has all the elements of a classic. Illustrated in watercolor and collage, the folk-art paintings beautifully convey Ahmed's servitude, Aurelia's magic, and the bond of their friendship.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD