Dr. Jacques Loizeau, a French American college professor, has been nicknamed Dr. Penguin by his students because of the way he walks due to arthritis. He is a world traveler, adapting easily to different cultural traits, especially his native French culture. He is also a frequent dreamer: He often dreams of being a bird flying in total freedom.

His recurring dream becomes reality--freedom--when he adopts the name of Dr. Bird inspired by his last name (Loizeau) in French as he makes important changes in his life.