THE UNIFIED FURTHER PROJECT is a middle-grade/young adult novel that combines art with a range of educational topics woven into an all-ages fantastical narrative. The book spans 300+ pages and includes over 1,200 original digital collage images, along with educational sidebars that highlight a wide range of academic subjects taught in grades 6 through 12.
The story begins with Ike, Pidgy, and Pancho befriending a peregrine falcon named Cerulean during their visit to Big Red Cliffs, a river canyon in the wilds of Montana. Cerulean lives on the planet Attune in the land of Dayvianlion, where a group of falcons and big cats are participating in a field experiment conducted by the Dayvuhz—nature spirits tasked by Earth with reconnecting humanity to nature.
Cerulean’s world is facing a dire ecological crisis, and a local chipmunk family possesses two mystical seeds that could help restore the land. Cerulean seeks the help of Pidgy, Pancho, and Ike to transport these vital treasures back to his planet. Thus begins their extraordinary space-time odyssey, driven by themes of friendship, the power of love in conflict resolution, and kinship with all life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IKE, PIDGY, PANCHO + THE BOOK’S ORIGIN BELOW.
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WHEN I FIRST MET HER I KNEW IN A MOMENT I WOULD HAVE TO SPEND THE NEXT FEW DAYS RE-ARRANGING MY MIND SO THERE’D BE ROOM FOR HER TO STAY.
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
The story began WHEN I rescued A BABY PIGeon.
I discovered Pidgy on the floor of an old ranch building, and with no nest or parents in sight, I decided to bring her until I could find a place or person better equipped to care for her. Over the next few days, I tried to pass her off to every bird-loving friend and bird-savior organization until I realized that Pidgy was a gift and decided to keep her.
My dog, Ike, was immediately obsessed with Pidgy, and they soon became the best of friends. She wanted to go everywhere with us and began following Ike and I on our daily walks. At seven months old, Pidgy made it clear she needed a mate and a proper home to build a nest and begin leading a normal pigeon life. I found her a partner in Pancho, and they soon made a home in the wooden box in the window of my art loft. It took several months for Pancho to realize that Ike meant no harm, but eventually, he joined Pidgy and Ike while they lounged in the yard.
In observing the harmony of this unlikely kinship, I wondered if they ever discussed world affairs. I imagined they shared similar concerns about the growing disconnect between humanity and nature, especially Pidgy and Pancho, whose species is often misunderstood and generally loathed by society. Thus began the Unified Further Project, a little-known story about the cosmic journey of one dog, two pigeons, and their mission to unite two worlds, one adventure at a time.
