Set in Vietnam, this beguiling story features a child named Mai who learns that a good deed will come back to you eventually. The little girl loves feeding the caged birds at a temple near her home, but the child dreams of one day being able to set the birds free.

One day Mai meets Thu at the temple and asks the girl if she wants to help feed the caged birds. This begins a chain of events or "good deeds" that ultimately results in the birds finally being given their freedom.

A story that illustrates the Buddhist idea of how good karma can have a positive influence on a person's life; this book is one that contains an important message about good deeds.

Not only is this story rather special, but the rich texture of the illustrations, watercolor on wood, also makes this a memorable picture book that I think all children will love reading again and again.