Orysia Dawydiak was the first child born to immigrant parents who settled in Northern Ontario. She grew up with a foot in both worlds, on a diet rich in Ukrainian traditions and stories. She lives on a small farm on Prince Edward Island where she raises sheep and dogs. She writes books on livestock protection dogs, and has also written award-winning fiction for children and young adults. She has written two other middle-grade fiction novels, Kira's Quest and Kira's Secret, which was nominated for the Hackmatack Award. Her first novel, House of Bears, was published by Acorn. Visit her website at orysiadawydiak.com.