Some stories do more than entertain—they open conversations, strengthen bonds, and touch the hearts of both children and adults. Oh My!… I Can Fly! is one of those rare stories. It carries a message so tender, so uplifting, and so universal that families who read it together often find themselves reflecting not only on the book, but on their own journeys of love, growth, and identity. Michele Gajdzis has crafted a tale that reminds every child that they are loved, every parent that encouragement matters, and every family that healing often begins with understanding. From the very first page, readers meet Barry, a small, featherless bird living alone in a locked cage on top of a mountain. His dream is simple yet profound—he longs to fly like the birds he sees soaring above him. But he feels trapped, unsure of who he is or how he will ever reach the sky. This moment captures a universal truth: every child carries dreams inside them, even when they don’t know how to express them. Barry’s longing mirrors the emotional world of children—quiet hopes, hidden fears, and the desire to understand their place in the world. It allows families to talk openly about what their children dream of and what might be holding them back.

One of the most powerful reasons families should read this book together is the role of encouragement. When Wally Bird appears—bright, colorful, and full of confidence—he becomes the first voice to tell Barry something life-changing: “You are an eagle and were created to soar.” Parents reading this moment aloud may find themselves reflecting on the importance of the words they speak to their children. Encouragement stays with a child. It shapes how they think, how they dream, and how they grow. Through Wally’s kindness, families can explore how their own voices influence the hearts of their children. Another meaningful element of the book is its portrayal of family-like support. Kenny Bird, the strong eagle who comes to train Barry, represents the mentors, brothers, fathers, and guides who help children learn the skills they need to become confident. His repeated encouragement—“Don’t give up”—teaches that growth takes time and patience. Families reading the story together can discuss the importance of persistence, the value of practice, and the beauty of celebrating small steps. These moments can lead to heartfelt conversations where children feel safe sharing their struggles, and parents can offer reassurance that growth is not always visible, but always happening.

Harmony Bird brings yet another important lesson. Her joyful songs remind Barry that emotional support matters just as much as physical practice. Children need both guidance and joy, structure and warmth. Reading this as a family allows everyone to reflect on how joy fits into daily life. Are families taking time to laugh together? To sing? To comfort? Encouragement can come in many forms—sometimes through teaching, sometimes through song, sometimes simply through presence. Harmony shows that every family member has a role in supporting a child’s emotional world.  The moment the mountain shakes and Barry’s cage breaks open is one of the most symbolic scenes in the book. Barry is finally free, yet he hesitates. Fear whispers louder than opportunity. This is the perfect moment for families to talk about fear and courage. Children often feel afraid even when the path is open. Parents can use Barry’s story to reassure them that fear is normal, that courage is learned, and that new beginnings feel overwhelming for everyone at first. When Wally encourages Barry to examine his Promise Feathers, families can pause and ask children what “feathers” they have—what qualities make them strong, joyful, or hopeful.

When Barry discovers the golden letters on his feathers—HOPE, STRENGTH, JOY—the family message becomes clear. These virtues are not earned; they are already within us. They are gifts. They are part of identity. Families reading together can talk about these qualities in their own lives, reinforcing emotional confidence and showing children that who they are is far more important than what they can do. Barry’s realization—“All this time they came to show me that I am truly loved”—is the heart of the book and the heartbeat of family life. Children thrive when they feel loved. Families grow stronger when love is shared openly and consistently.  What also makes this story meaningful for families is the personal truth behind it. Michele Gajdzis reveals in her questionnaire that Barry’s story is her own childhood story. Barry is Michele; Wally is her older brother and Pastor Walter Healy; Kenny is her younger brother and a neighbor who introduced her to faith; Harmony is her sister whose voice went unheard. Knowing this allows families to connect to the book on a deeper level. It reminds parents that their influence shapes their children’s futures, just as Michele’s family shaped hers. It shows children that the emotions in the book—loneliness, hope, growth—are real and shared.