Lantern

Publishing and Media

Free Bird

Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight

Purchase Options

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  •    19.95 hardcover
  •    8.99 eBook
  •    52 pages
  •    full color illustrations
  •    8.5 x 8.5
  •    Hardcover, eBook
  • Hardcover ISBN  978-1-59056-745-6
  • eBook ISBN  978-1-59056-746-3
  • Publisher: Lantern Publishing & Media
  • Publication Date: May 2025

Based on a true story, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is an inspiring picture book for children ages 4-8 chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.

Embark on an exciting journey with Flaco the owl in Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight! This captivating picture book, perfect for children ages 4-8, is based on a true story that will inspire and delight young readers.

Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.

Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!

This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.

50% of author’s book royalties will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.


“Kids and parents will cheer for Flaco as he chases adventure and follows his dreams. A chance to see the world through the eyes of an owl, this book provides kids with an inspiring glimpse into the emotional lives of animals and an important reminder that hope, and freedom are universal themes for us all.”—Gene Baur, president and co-founder, Farm Sanctuary

“Combine reverence for an owl who showed the world that we all yearn for freedom, a parent’s wise and encouraging voice, and a devotion to animal advocacy, and you’ve got a gem of a book. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Flaco, and in doing so, to expand one’s heart toward all captive animals who long to be free.”—Kathy Stevens, founder, Catskill Animal Sanctuary

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is a captivating children’s book that tells the inspiring tale of Flaco, an owl who finds freedom in the bustling city of New York. Its uplifting message weaves in the plight of animals in captivity and their dream to be free. Combined with its stunning illustrations, Flaco’s journey will inspire children to dream big and be brave enough to reach for the stars.”—Kathleen Schatzmann, strategic legislative affairs manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight does an extraordinary job of capturing how we all have dreams—whether you’re a child or a nonhuman animal—and how important it is to fulfill these dreams. As someone who works every day to help animals, I am moved by the care and respect given to Flaco’s yearning for freedom. Flaco’s dream became a reality, and I am so excited to imagine the book in the hands of young readers who will hopefully learn from Flaco’s incredible story.”—Elizabeth Stein, Esq., litigation director, The Nonhuman Rights Project

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