Lily’s Dream: A Fairy Friendship

by Bea Jackson

At A Glance

Interest Level

4-8

Entertainment
Score

Reading Level
4.2

Number of Pages
40

Lily is a fairy who dreams of flying high. However, Lily is the only fairy who cannot get her wings to lift her. As she practices, much of her time is spent taking in the beauty of nature from the ground.

One day, after a particularly difficult flying lesson, Lily stumbles on an acorn and finds a small alcove in a tree filled with fairy-sized treasures. As Lily explores the new environment, Willow, a young human girl, approaches her, causing Lily to run away in fear. When she realizes she has left her golden bracelet there, Lily returns. Willow returns Lily’s bracelet and offers to help her learn to fly. But can a human—completely grounded—help a fairy connect with her wings?

Told from the third-person point of view, Lily’s Dream follows a young fairy’s journey to achieve flight. Unlike other fairies with beautiful, shimmering wings, Lily has small, colorless ones. Lily yearns to be like the rest of the fairies and asks her mother, “Will my wings ever look like yours?” Lily’s mother tells her that each fairy’s wings are unique, and though Lily’s wings are not yet colorful, it does not mean that she is not special. This interaction will teach readers that a person’s beauty comes from within and that their individuality is what makes them truly extraordinary.

Willow, a human girl, plays a key role in helping Lily achieve her dreams. Though she cannot directly relate to Lily’s struggle, Willow uses her artistic side to create an acorn helmet, a landing cushion, and a mini trampoline for Lily. Willow makes sure to create a safe space for Lily and encourages her. With Willow’s daily support, the fairy and the girl become friends.

Each page contains one to six sentences with full-page illustrations that match the text and convey Lily’s emotions. For example, “while all the other fairies soared to dazzling heights, Lily was the only one who knew about the beauty closer to the ground.” The illustration shows her smiling on a lily pad, watching the fish below. Lily is small in comparison to the nature around her. For example, one picture shows tall, pink, and white flowers towering over her. These detailed, dream-like images will enchant readers and draw them into Lily’s magical world. Additionally, the vivid colors and detailed facial expressions will help readers identify Lily’s frustrations with flying and her joy in connecting with nature.

Lily’s Dream explores themes of resilience and friendship through Lily’s persistent pursuit of flight. Despite her struggles, Lily never gives up on her dream and continues working toward her goal. She demonstrates tenacity by taking flying lessons and practicing independently every day. Young readers will relate to Lily’s determination and feel encouraged to face challenges with similar strength.

Though Lily shows inherent determination as an individual, she only succeeds after receiving Willow’s unwavering support. The human girl not only creates a safe environment for Lily but also cheers Lily on, uplifting her fairy friend as if they share the challenge together. Their unlikely friendship demonstrates how kindness can help someone reach new heights. Readers will learn the importance of supporting their friends — even when they cannot directly relate to the struggles those friends are facing. Though Lily and Willow come from different worlds, their blossoming bond proves that anyone can find common ground and offer meaningful support. Through these lessons, Lily’s Dream becomes a heartfelt celebration of self-belief and the transformative power of friendship.

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