Empathy Through Storytelling: How Mei‑Mei Inspires Understanding, Resilience, and Independent Thinking

Featuring: Mei-Mei Flying With Flair by Jaybie D.

Children grow into empathy, not just by being told how to treat others, but by experiencing what it feels like to be misunderstood, discouraged, or different. Through stories, young readers get a chance to explore these moments in a way that feels safe — and personal. In Mei‑Mei Flying With Flair, a shy fairy with elegant expectations on her shoulders embarks on a quiet but powerful journey that models empathy, resilience, and the courage to think for yourself.

Mei‑Mei comes from a family of admired flyers — graceful, confident, and respected. But she doesn’t feel ready to soar in front of others. Her wings are different. Her confidence is shaky. Instead of pretending, she slips away on a solo adventure to explore the world beyond the canopy.

What begins as a moment of curiosity turns into something more when Mei‑Mei accidentally crashes into a flock of squadglide birds. Wanting to honor their presence and avoid another misstep, she pulls out her pen and notebook to carefully observe their patterns. She takes notes, studies their motion, and eventually decides to fly just like them.

But when she returns home and shows off her new moves, she’s met with laughter and confusion. Her flying looks awkward, exaggerated — even silly. Mei‑Mei is devastated. Maybe she just needs to try harder. Maybe blending in is better than standing out.

That’s when a wise owl enters the picture. Instead of offering praise or correction, he asks questions to understand why Mei-Mei is flying that way. This led to a conversation about the many different ways birds fly.

Through this quiet conversation, Mei‑Mei begins to realize something important: there isn’t just one right way to fly. And while imitation helped her learn, it didn’t help her feel free. So, she begins again. This time, she mixes what she’s learned with what feels natural. She practices. She experiments. And slowly, she finds her own flying style — one that is thoughtful, expressive, and wholly her own.

Some still scoff. But Mei‑Mei doesn’t shrink. She honors tradition while making room for something new — and shows children that growth doesn’t require rejection or rebellion. It simply requires curiosity, reflection, and the courage to keep trying.

Why This Story Supports Social-Emotional Growth

Empathy
Readers feel Mei‑Mei’s uncertainty, her embarrassment, her hope. They’re invited to consider how it feels to be laughed at, and how important it is to ask questions instead of assuming. The owl’s calm response models how empathy can unlock self-awareness in others.

Resilience
Mei‑Mei tries something new. It doesn’t go well. But she doesn’t give up. Her willingness to reflect and try again teaches kids that failure isn’t the end — it’s part of figuring things out.

Independent Thinking
Rather than blindly copying or stubbornly pushing back, Mei‑Mei learns through observation, experience, and reflection. She shows kids that it’s okay to admire others — but important to pause and ask if their path fits your own.

Respect for Culture with Room for Growth
The story is inspired by the Chinese folktale “Learning to Walk in Handan,” which cautions against losing yourself in the effort to imitate. Mei‑Mei’s journey honors that lesson while reshaping it for modern readers: You can respect what came before while still choosing a new direction — as long as that direction comes from within.

Try This at Home or in the Classroom

Observe, Reflect, Decide
Choose something to observe — birds outside, a short movement video, or a classmate demonstrating a skill. Ask: What do you notice? What feels natural to try? What might you do differently?

Design Your Own Wings
Let children draw or decorate a pair of wings that reflect their strengths and dreams. Prompt: What makes your wings yours? How do they help you fly your own way?

Empathy Mapping
After reading, ask:

• What was Mei‑Mei feeling before her crash?
• How did she feel when others laughed?
• What helped her change how she saw herself?
  This helps children step into someone else’s experience — and come out with more insight.

Why It Matters

Not every child is ready to soar in front of others. Some watch, wonder, and wait — and that’s okay. Mei‑Mei Flying With Flair gently shows that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it pauses. Sometimes it questions. Sometimes it imitates before it invents.

By encouraging kids to look inward and outward with equal curiosity, Mei‑Mei’s story supports more than just confidence. It supports empathy. It encourages resilience. And it gives young readers permission to fly in a way that is not only their own — but deeply informed, intentional, and full of heart.

Mei-Mei Flying With Flair can be purchased: HERE.

Free lesson plans and other resources are available: HERE.