Eddie the Eagle Learns How to Fly - A Children's Story

Eddie the Eagle Learns How to Fly

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
Fear is a feeling that whispers “you can’t,” but courage shouts “yes, you can.”
Every great victory begins with one brave step into the unknown. When we face our fears instead of hiding from them, we discover the strength that was inside us all along. Sometimes faith means jumping even when we are scared, trusting that our wings will carry us. Encouragement from those who love us gives us the confidence to soar. The sky of life is wide and beautiful, waiting for us to rise above our doubts. When we finally take that leap, we leave fear behind and find freedom. The moment we believe in ourselves, we learn how to truly fly.

High on a rocky mountain ledge, where the clouds brushed the treetops, a family of eagles lived in a sturdy nest built of sticks, moss, and love.
Mama and Papa Eagle had four fluffy eaglets: Ellie, Ethan, Emma, and the youngest, little Eddie.

Eddie was smaller than the others, with big brown eyes and soft golden feathers that shimmered in the sunlight. He loved listening to the wind whistle through the cliffs, but whenever he looked down at the wide world below, his tummy filled with butterflies.

One by one, his brothers and sisters had already learned to fly. First, Ellie spread her wings and glided through the air with grace. Then Ethan flapped his wings and took off, circling the mountain joyfully. Even Emma, who had been nervous at first, found her courage and soared across the valley.

But Eddie? He stayed in the nest.

Each morning, Papa Eagle would stretch his wings and say, “It’s a perfect day for flying, Eddie.”
And Mama Eagle would smile softly. “You can do it, sweetheart. You were born to fly.”

Eddie would shake his little head. “No, not today. My wings are too small. What if I fall?”

“You won’t fall,” said Mama gently. “You’ll soar.”

But Eddie didn’t believe her. He stayed perched on the edge of the nest, looking down at the world that seemed too big and too far away.

Days turned into weeks. His brothers and sisters soared across the valley, calling out encouragement every time they passed by.
“You can do it, Eddie!” shouted Ellie.
“Come on, little brother, the sky is amazing!” cheered Ethan.
“Don’t be afraid!” called Emma. “We’ll fly beside you!”

Eddie wanted to believe them, but fear kept his tiny talons wrapped tightly around the edge of the nest.

Then one morning, the wind was calm, and the sun painted the sky in gold and pink. Mama Eagle sat beside Eddie and looked out over the valley. “Do you see that river sparkling below?” she asked.
Eddie nodded.
“That river was once just a few drops of water, trickling from a mountain spring. But it didn’t stay small. It kept moving forward, even when the rocks got in its way. That’s how it became something beautiful.”

Eddie looked down at the river again. He wanted to be brave like that.
Papa Eagle landed beside them. “Son,” he said in a deep, steady voice, “you were made to fly. Your wings were not meant for sitting still. They were meant for the sky.”

Eddie’s heart began to beat faster. His brothers and sisters flew in and landed on the branch nearby. “We’re with you, Eddie,” they said in unison. “You can do it!”

The little eagle took a deep breath. His wings trembled as he stood on the very edge of the nest. His heart pounded so loudly he could almost hear it echo off the cliffs.

He looked at Mama. She nodded.
He looked at Papa. He smiled proudly.
Then he looked at the sky — so big, so bright, so inviting.

“Okay,” whispered Eddie, “here I go.”

He spread his wings wide, closed his eyes, and jumped.

For one second, he felt weightless and terrified. The wind rushed past his face, and he thought, I’m falling! But then something amazing happened. His wings caught the air beneath them, lifting him higher. He flapped once, twice — and suddenly, Eddie was flying!

“Look at me!” he cried. “I’m flying!”

His brothers and sisters swooped around him, laughing and cheering. “You did it, Eddie!”
Mama Eagle clapped her wings together, tears of joy in her eyes. Papa let out a proud call that echoed through the valley.

Eddie soared higher and higher, feeling the wind carry him like invisible hands. The trees looked small, the river sparkled like glass, and the sky stretched endlessly above him. The fear that once held him captive was gone, replaced by the thrill of freedom and the joy of courage.

When Eddie finally returned to the nest, his chest was puffed with pride. “You were right, Mama. I can fly!”
She nuzzled him gently. “I always knew you could.”
Papa smiled. “Sometimes the hardest part is believing in yourself.”

That night, as the stars twinkled above, Eddie nestled beside his family. He closed his eyes and smiled, knowing that tomorrow he would fly again, higher, braver, freer.

And from that day on, he was never afraid to try new things again. Because Eddie the Eagle had learned something that would stay with him forever: fear may whisper, but faith soars.

Poem:
Spread your wings and face the sky,
Don’t be afraid to try and fly.
Fear will fade when faith takes hold,
Your courage shines, your heart grows bold.
The leap is hard, but dreams are near,
When love and trust replace your fear.
The sky is yours, go chase it high,
Believe, be brave, and learn to fly.

Discussion Questions:

1.     Why was Eddie afraid to fly at first, and what helped him finally take the leap?

2.     How did Eddie’s family and siblings show their love and encouragement?

     3.     What does it mean to “face your fears,” and how can believing in yourself help you grow?