1. What is the importance of a healthy family relationship?

2. What is the value of being willing to accept responsibility?

3. Why is it important to care about wildlife?

It is important for children to realize the benefit of a strong family connection that is built on love and respect, as well as the satisfaction of accomplishment found in having responsibilities and fulfilling them.

Another vital message is that wild birds and animals belong in their natural habitat and not in our homes as pets. Even though Gene took in a nestling green heron, he only kept the bird until it could fend for itself.

Kids who read this book will be able to relate to Gene in a real way. Many of them are dealing with the same issues of wanting to find companionship and the very real need to feel loved. I would hope that they will be able to see, through Gene, that it is possible to reach out to someone else, that it is possible to care for someone and to love them enough to set them free.