One night, near midnight, we drove our usual route on our way home along a heavily forested area. Out of nowhere, a white owl swooped down from above and collided with our car’s front windshield. Shocked, we pulled the car over, and I went to check on the owl.

The owl’s wings were spread wide, giant, fluffy and white, like angels wings, but he did not fly away from me. He looked up at me with the most beautiful face and piercing eyes. The owl let me fold his wings carefully to his side, pick him up in my arms, and snuggle him close to my heart. I felt as if my heart might burst with love for this soft, little magical creature. He didn’t seem injured, but to be sure, we drove him to the 24-hour pet hospital that specializes in wild bird care.

In many cultures, owls are seen as powerful messengers, symbols of wisdom, inspiration, and understanding. In Hawaii, where we live, owls are seen as guardians or protectors.

That moving encounter inspired me to write this children’s book, and co-write a song with the same name in partnership with David Kauahikaua, who was with me during the owl encounter.

The story is about a little angel who does not always fly straight, sing on key, or land without crashing. There is a little angel in all of us, and hopefully we can all learn something from her determination, optimism and persistence.