About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the impulse to possess something they love, whether it is a wild creature, a shared toy, or even a friend's time. This poetic story follows Rudy, a boy who yearns to fly so deeply that he captures a young hawk, hoping their bond will grant him the power of flight. However, as he watches the bird's spirit wilt in captivity, he must confront the difficult truth that true love requires respecting the freedom of others. Appropriate for children ages 6 to 10, Byrd Baylor's spare, rhythmic prose offers a gentle entry point into complex conversations about empathy and the ethics of our relationship with nature. It is a quiet, contemplative choice for parents who want to model the beauty of selflessness. Choosing this book helps normalize the sadness of saying goodbye while celebrating the spiritual reward of doing the right thing.
