Yesterday was International Beaver Day, which felt like the right time to get in touch to let you know Big Sky Mountain: The Forest Wolves is out now!
Big Sky Mountain: The Forest Wolves is available in all book stores!
After a storm, Rosa and Grandma Nan find a lost wolf cub and embark on a journey to return the cub to its pack. It’s a story about finding your family, whoever, wherever, and whatever they may be!
As with the first book, The Forest Wolves is inspired by my love of nature and adventure. If you’re interested in rewilding, you’ll enjoy the scene where a herd of hipster bison come crashing through the trees.
I had a lot of fun drawing them! In Britain we used to have lots of creatures like bison on our shores, but now we have very few. Red deer, and a few escaped wild boar continue to do a similar job in the wild, and they’re so important for our ecosystems.
Large mammals (the megafauna of old) fulfil many roles: they break up the soil which helps the seedbank regenerate, clear trees to let sunlight down onto the forest floor, and generally make the landscape better for birds, insects and smaller mammals. Without these creatures, us humans have to do their jobs, which costs lots of money, and takes lots of time…
Maybe one day we’ll see more large creatures back in our landscape. I can only hope!
Book Three
Right now, I’m currently doing the artwork for the third book. I’ve really enjoyed being back in Rosa’s world. You can take a look at some of the works in progress over on my Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/alexmilway/
I’m struggling with long Covid still, which has made it slower going than usual, but I’m so fortunate to be able to take it easier and make time for a daily nap. My thoughts are very much with the people who cannot.
I’ll be in touch again soon (hopefully) to send you the cover reveal for Book Three. Watch this space! Sending best wishes to you and your loved ones from us all here in St Leonards.
PS. Remember you can download the ‘How To Draw A Beaver’ guide on my website for free.
