Oxbow Island Gang flies again!

Here it is, the third story in the Oxbow Island Gang environmental mystery series by my island neighbor and incredible author, Rae Chalmers!

Please join us for a book launch party next Saturday, June 4 at the Peaks Island Community Center. At 12:45 (for those arriving on the 12:15 ferry from Portland) Rae and I will talk a bit about the our most recent collaboration and take questions. From 1:30 to 2:30, there will be children’s activities, games, a raffle, book signing, and food. Hope to see you there!

Rae told me well before I read her third manuscript that this book would involve crows. Suddenly my radar was up, and I saw them everywhere.

I began working in early October, just when Rae and I did some photo shoots around the island to promote Lobster Graveyard. And a crow showed up:)

Crows do seem to make a statement wherever they are.

Rae gives me a list of what she needs for each chapter heading and the first involved birds on a wire. Several walks later, I had my references ready to go.

We met to go over the details, and we gathered some props, like a top hat and an antique bellows.

I love being able to capture my own habitat for illustration. My process involves keeping my eyes sharp on location, taking photos, sketching from them. Once I have a sketch that Rae approves, I enlarge and transfer the sketch to good paper and redraw it in charcoal pencil with some refinements.

When it came to this sketch, I decided to bake before starting the final illustration, because why not.

Eating a slice of my cranberry pie gave me all the senses for drawing the final, can you even tell:)

Peaks Islanders may recognize our police station in this illustration.

Just as I took this photo, the island cops on duty emerged from the garage, asking if I needed anything. “Nope,” I said. (just a little illo recon… )

I rearranged elements to fit the chapter heading dimensions, but kept the same awkward lettering on the sign.

In mid-October, we had a backshore picnic, where Daisy found a little bird skull.

It felt too good not to use for another chapter heading.

I kept working at my deadline while Halloween came and went.

Winter Crows takes place during a blizzard and power outage, so our first storm gave me the authentic feels.

I used this bend in the road and my own hat for reference for another chapter heading.

Savvy readers may recognize the lobster buoys from the second book in the series, that belong to my neighbor, Scott.

Another sketch required some snoozy dog reference, which my nephew’s hound, Sturgil, provided with extra zzzzzs.

Rae is a master of quilts, and I wrapped her character, Turtle, in one for another scene.

This kind of coziness is a side benefit of any winter storm, and we had a few more on Peaks. Thanks to all those who keep our corner clear!

Rae and I take walks now and then once the sun is out.

I generally save the cover illustration for last, if possible. These are my very loose rough ideas that Rae considered.

She liked the graphic look of three crows looking down from their branch, so I did a tighter color rough.

Taking breaks to walk in fresh snow helps my process and always informs my next move.

Upon return I realized I needed to show both Bear and Olivia on the cover, as they appear on the previous books.

Congratulations, Rae, on another wonderful book, with a quirky cast, and important lessons about wildlife and community. I learned my share about crows and more! You can find a copy HERE, for that reader aged 8 – 88. Please do come meet us on June 4!