When I first dreamed up the idea of creating another children’s book, I pictured my dog Henry as the star—navigating the forests, shores, and bluffs of the Gulf Islands, and crossing paths with the wildlife that calls this place home. The real-life mystery of the missing apples on Sidney Island turned out to be the perfect backdrop. It gave me a fun way to turn local creatures into possible suspects in a fruity whodunit. In this post, I’ll introduce you to the winged outlaws—some of the feathered characters who just might have had a beak (or stinger) in the crime—and share why they earned a spot on the suspect list.
Common Ravens are clever tricksters, often heard before they’re seen, croaking and cackling from the treetops. With shiny black feathers and sharp eyes, they love to poke around for shiny things, scraps of food, or just a bit of mischief. Smart, curious, and a little bit cheeky, these birds are always up to something.
Ravens weren’t part of the original cast of apple thieves, but about halfway through the illustration process, I knew they had to be included. They’re such a constant presence on the island—clever, curious, and always up to something. With their reputation as tricksters, they made the perfect addition to the list of suspects in this orchard mystery. Including them meant creating an entire two-page spread—more work on my end, but well worth it to give the ravens the spotlight they deserve.
Bald Eagles rule the skies over the Gulf Islands, soaring high and keeping a sharp eye on everything below. With their piercing calls and impressive wingspans, they’re hard to miss. These bold birds will snatch a fish mid-air, steal from unsuspecting gulls, and aren’t above giving a passing dog or human a good glare. Regal and a little ruthless, they’re the feathered royalty of the coast.
There was never any doubt that eagles would soar into the story. With their razor-sharp beaks, powerful talons, and piercing eyes, they have all the makings of a classic villain. They command attention, glide with silent authority, and always seem to be watching—waiting. On Sidney Island, they reign at the top of the food chain, and their dramatic presence adds a touch of grandeur and menace to the mystery. Whether they’re guilty or not, they definitely look the part.
Wasps are the uninvited guests of every sunny picnic on Sidney Island, zipping in with a buzz and zero shame. Drawn to anything sweet or savoury, they’ll hover over your sandwich, dive into your drink, and act like they own the place. Small but bold, these stripy troublemakers can be territorial, and they’ve been known to clash with curious dogs—and irritated humans.
If any creature truly earned a spot on the suspect list, it’s the wasp. In my mind, they’re the real villains—more deserving of the title than any other critter the dogs accuse. On Sidney Island, wasps are the annoyance of summer. Both humans and dogs give them a wide berth, and for good reason. With their quick tempers, sneaky stingers, and chaotic energy, they bring just the right mix of mischief and menace to this orchard mystery. If anyone’s plotting a fruit heist, it just might be them.
Next post: Meet the Villains Part 2: The Furry (and Flippered) Felons
furreal.ca 