AVES: The Age of Engagement

Earlier this year, as some of you may recall, I took on a book illustration project for local author C.J. Berry.  Now I can happily report that it's published!

From the description on Amazon.com:

"Principalis, the very last of the ivory-billed woodpeckers, has carried the Staff of Aves and led the bird council in relative harmony for most of his life. Soon, his successor will be hatched from the cardinal family and the process will begin anew. This is the avian way. But now changes have come, and Principalis must find a way to bring all birds together, to adapt to the growing threats to their way of life. Tyto Alba, the disgraced barn owl in exile, feels differently. Now these differences have ignited a firestorm over why some birds feel they are better, more deserving, and rightful heirs to the Staff of Aves. Tyto’s long banishment from the council will end soon, bringing with it a new Tyto, a kinder, gentler, and much more devious Tyto. When the barn owl puts his wicked plan in motion, no bird is safe, especially Principalis and the newly laid egg of his successor."

It's an adventure story for the middle-school set, touching not only on epic "good" vs. "evil" themes, but also on how birds in real life are affected by weather, habitat loss, pesticides and other issues.

Tyto the devious barn owl

Today I'll be over at the first book signing at the Cannon Mine Coffee Shop in Lafayette, Colorado. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by for a chat, from 11AM to 1PM. I'll be bringing some of the original artwork over, and Mr. Berry with be available to discuss any questions about his story, or about the world of birds in general.