This is a story of a pelican who starts out like any pelican learning to fly and dive and catch fish. She is told that this is what pelicans do their whole life long but she is restless and unfulfilled. Then one day she sees a chance to save some little ducklings from drowning in a terrible storm and rough water ... and she has found her calling. From then on, when she sees an opportunity to help out where help is desperately needed, she doesn't hesitate to do what she can. Sometimes this means acting on her own but often it means taking a leadership role and asking other animals and birds to help her with a problem. She has to think things through and be innovative to come up with ways to help, sometimes very unique ways. She is a role model for young people who are surrounded these days by peer pressure and sometimes bullying. Young people need to learn to be aware of others' feelings and needs, not live in a self-centered world.

Paula finds many opportunities to be of help, and in doing so learns more about her own capabilities. She is motivated by the desire to help eliminate distress and pain from those who come into her path of awareness. Paula grows into a confident and kind pelican, one who learns to make choices, as she does when she is looking for a mate.

Throughout all the adventures in each chapter, Paula encounters diverse challenges and opportunities, which expand her outlook on the world and give her the wonderful feeling of pride in herself. This book will teach, inspire and entertain young readers.