‘Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight’ is a New Children’s Book by Christine Mott
Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight (published by Lantern Publishing & Media, May 6, 2025) is an inspiring picture book based on a true story 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.
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.
Praise for Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight
“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
About the Author:
Christine Mott is an attorney and animal advocate with over fifteen years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to protect animals. She advises alternative protein companies, animal sanctuaries and other animal protection and sustainability-focused organizations. Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association and has served on the boards of various animal advocacy organizations. Christine received her J.D. from NYU Law and her B.A. from Smith College. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine currently lives in California with her family.
Christine is the author of Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight, an inspiring picture book based on a true story 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. The book is available for sale on Amazon.
Readers can connect with Christine Mott on Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit ChristineMott.com