This is a difficult letter to write for it is about an end. I have just completed the last book of The Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, The War Of The Ember, which will be published in November. It’s hard for me to believe that I began thinking about this series in 1999. In fact, when I first started thinking about the book, it was a single book and not a series at all. My publisher, Scholastic, thought there could be more. They asked me to do six. That seemed impossible to me at the time, but now here comes the fifteenth!

I didn’t begin writing the first book until the fall of 2001. It seems amazing to me that I have been at this for seven years. I have children who were in high school at the time and now have graduated from college. One has gotten married, and he and his wife are expecting their first baby. I’m almost a grandma! Yikes!

I have changed, you have changed, and even the owls have changed. I think it’s time for them to fly on without me. But I am a firm believer that in every end there is a new beginning. I have a lot of new ideas that you will be hearing about shortly.

And I do have some wonderful news. The Guardians of Ga’Hoole movie is finally underway! Warner Brothers hopes that it will be released in late 2009 or early 2010. The director is Zack Snyder who directed the hit movie “300” as well as the soon to be released “Watchmen.” The screenplay was written by John Orloff. It will be done in computer generated animation by Animal Logic, the Sydney Australia company that did “Happy Feet.” The movie will be based on the first three books of the series. I am thrilled! Warner Brothers has been wonderful. They have listened to me, and I feel that the screenwriter and director will remain very faithful to the spirit of the books.

A lot of you have written to me over the past few years asking about the movie. I wasn’t able to give you a firm answer because I didn’t have one myself. I’ve been waiting for this news as long as you have, and believe me, I know it has been frustrating at times. I promise to keep you up to date on any developments as they happen.

And finally, I want to thank all of you Ga’Hoole readers who have become like citizens in my imaginary world. Imagination, in a sense, is a two way street. Through your enthusiasm you have made this world much more real for me. I had originally intended to write one book, then only six. And now we have finally arrived at the last. It is the last not because your fervor has waned, but because to me, this is the most logical and satisfying place for the story of Soren and the Band to conclude.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

All my best,
Kathryn