Olivia the Owl Dreams Big - A Children's Story

 Olivia the Owl Dreams Big

By Bill Conley, America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:

Dreams are the seeds of the future, and every child should be encouraged to dream boldly about what they want to become. Asking, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” opens the imagination and helps children picture possibilities. Some will want to create, others to help, some to teach, and others to build, but every dream has meaning. It is okay for dreams to change over time because growing up is a journey of discovery. No dream is too small, no hope is too silly—each one matters and helps shape a child’s heart. Children who are encouraged to share their dreams feel valued and respected. Each answer reminds us that every child has a voice, a vision, and a place in the world. When we listen carefully to children’s dreams, we help them believe in themselves and in the future. The classroom buzzed with excitement as the morning sun streamed through the windows. It was a very special day at Meadowbrook Animal School. Miss Maple, the gentle deer who taught the class, had written a big question on the chalkboard:

“What would you like to be when you grow up?”

The animals shuffled in their seats, whispering and giggling. It was a question they had all heard before, but somehow it always felt brand new.

Sitting in the front row was Olivia the Owl, a wide-eyed little bird with soft feathers and a curious heart. Olivia loved stories and questions, and this one made her wings twitch with anticipation.

Miss Maple clapped her hooves gently. “Alright, class. Today I want to hear your dreams. There are no wrong answers. Just tell us what you’d like to be and why.”

Olivia’s eyes sparkled. She wanted to go first—but she also wanted to hear what her friends would say. So she folded her wings politely and listened.

Leo the Lion Cub raised his paw. “I’d like to be a firefighter when I grow up,” he said proudly. “Because I’m brave and strong, and I could help put out fires and save others.”

The class clapped. Miss Maple nodded. “A wonderful dream, Leo.”

Next, Daisy the Duckling waddled up. “I want to be a teacher, just like you, Miss Maple! Because teachers make learning fun, and I want to help other animals know new things.”

Miss Maple’s eyes glistened. “That is very kind, Daisy.”

Max the Monkey swung his tail excitedly. “I want to be an inventor! I’d build machines that could crack coconuts or help animals fly through the trees faster.”

The class giggled, but Miss Maple smiled. “Inventors change the world with creativity.”

Sophie the Squirrel chattered next. “I want to be a chef! I’d make nut pies, berry tarts, and honey cakes. Everyone would come to my café and leave full and happy.”

“Delicious!” cried the class.

Then it was Timmy the Turtle’s turn. He spoke slowly, but with a firm voice. “I’d like to be a doctor when I grow up. Because when animals are hurt or sick, I want to help them feel better.”

Everyone clapped extra loudly. Even Olivia hooted softly, impressed with her friend’s kindness.

Now Miss Maple turned to the shy rabbit in the back. “And you, Lily?”

Lily’s ears twitched. “I’d like to be an artist. I want to paint big pictures of sunsets, forests, and families so everyone can see beauty and feel happy.”

“That’s wonderful, Lily,” Miss Maple said warmly.

One by one, the animals shared their dreams:

• Benny the Bear Cub wanted to be a builder, making homes strong and safe.
• Carlos the Cat wanted to be a musician, filling the forest with melodies.
• Holly the Hedgehog wanted to be a scientist, discovering cures and answers to mysteries.
• Freddie the Fox wanted to be an explorer, traveling beyond the meadows to see new lands.

Finally, Miss Maple turned to the front row. “Olivia? You’ve been very patient. What would you like to be when you grow up?”

Olivia took a deep breath, her feathers puffing slightly. “I… I want to be a storyteller,” she said. Her voice trembled at first, but then grew stronger. “Because stories help animals imagine, learn, and believe. A story can teach, heal, or even make someone brave.”

The classroom grew very quiet.

Then Daisy the Duckling whispered, “I love that idea, Olivia.”

Max the Monkey nodded. “Yeah! Your stories always make me laugh.”

Even Leo the Lion Cub grinned. “And sometimes they make me brave too.”

Miss Maple beamed. “Olivia, that is a beautiful dream. A storyteller carries wisdom and light. And I think you’re already becoming one.”

Olivia’s heart soared. She hadn’t been sure if her dream mattered, but now she felt it shine.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter as the animals drew pictures of themselves in their dream jobs. Olivia sketched herself with a book and a group of animals gathered around, listening with wide eyes.

As they packed up to go home, Miss Maple reminded them, “Dreams can change as you grow. That’s okay. What matters most is that you keep dreaming, keep learning, and keep believing.”

That night, as Olivia perched in her family’s tree, she told her parents all about the day. “Mama, Papa,” she said, “I know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be a storyteller!”

Her parents hugged her close. “Then tell your stories, Olivia,” Papa said. “The world needs your voice.”

And as the moon rose high, Olivia whispered a promise to herself: I will dream big. I will tell stories. And one day, my stories will help others dream too.

Moral of the story poem:

Each little dream is a treasure to keep,
A seed that grows while we laugh and sleep.
A chef, a teacher, a doctor, a guide,
Dreams make us strong and live inside.
Listen with care, encourage, be kind,
Every dream matters; don’t leave one behind.
For dreams are gifts the future will show,
They shape who we are and help us grow.

Discussion Questions for Children

1.     What would you like to be when you grow up?
This encourages the child to connect their own dreams with the story and begin to imagine their future.

2.     Why do you think Olivia wanted to be a storyteller?
This helps the child think about the importance of sharing ideas, creativity, and how dreams can inspire others.

3.     How do you feel when someone listens carefully to your ideas or dreams?
This question nurtures emotional awareness and helps children recognize that their words and thoughts are valued.