In my high school English class, we were tasked with writing a fable. I turned in Birds of the Air. I’ve since edited some birds and words: for example, the story is now more concise, and the parrot was originally an owl. However, the core of the story remains the same.

I hope this book encourages Christians who feel mediocre and inspires those who aren’t sure where they fit in. It doesn’t matter that we’re not “the best” when we “…are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 CSB).

Wendy, the illustrator, did such a great job on each spread, and each spread does its part to contribute to the story, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. I love how adorable the dove looks on spread 6 and how magnificent the peacock looks on spread 8. That said, though, I especially like how spread 9 focuses on the dove and his Creator. I think this spread would look great on display in a living room or office, not just as art but as a reminder that the Creator has also chosen me as one of his children.

I’d like young readers to glimpse God’s unconditional love, especially in a world that always wants more. The world and even our own hearts might pressure us to be and do more, but we need to remember, “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)