Fly Free!
Roseanne Greenfield Thong and Eujin Kim Neilan
Astra Books for Young Readers

Using a chain of simple interactions between a variety of people and the repeat refrain, “Fly free, fly free, in the sky so blue. When you do a good deed, it will come back to you!” the narrative of this story comes full circle.

Set in Vietnam, the story opens with young Mai who visits the temple early one morning. Before going inside she feeds the birds kept in a cage near the entrance. As a Buddhist, it is her hope that someone will be able to do what she cannot afford: to pay for the release of the birds. On this particular morning Mai notices another girl Thu, who removes her red slippers before going in; Mai waits and when she comes out, offers her some bird seed so she too can feed the birds. She also whispers the “Fly free …” refrain. This sets off a concatenation of good deeds and having performed a kind action each person sings the same refrain as a kind of suggestion to pay it forward when an opportunity arises.

Eventually the chain comes full circle and as Mai watches, a man pays for the birds’ release, nodding to her to open the cage.

In a final note the author explains that her story of the characters’ actions is based on the Buddhist doctrine of karma as well as the principle of the wheel of life.

Using earthy tones and subtle texturing Eujin Kim Neilan’s striking scenes show the gentle joy each character experiences as they perform a kind act.
It’s vital that all children come to understand the importance of empathy and generosity and sharing this heartwarming tale of selfless actions and having a circle time discussion is one way of demonstrating these qualities.