It all started with one idea: what if we saw the world through the eyes of a seagull – and a seagull that steals? This is how Sneaky Seagull Yuck (Huijarilokki Hyi) was born, an insightful and humorous book by illustrator and author Linn Henrichson that invites the reader to follow a city seagull with its own will, its own rules and a lot of wit.
City logs and their freedom
Henrichson says he wanted to portray a seagull that lives alongside us but in its own world. Unlike many other animals that humans domesticate, seagulls have retained their freedom – they fly where they want, take what they want and watch us from above. This independence made the seagull the perfect protagonist for the story.
Reality as a source of inspiration
Although the book is fictional, its roots are in everyday life. Henrichson says he was inspired by real-life moments when seagulls have stolen food from people. One of his most memorable experiences was when he saw a seagull swallow an entire kebab roll in one gulp. That sight led to a drawing of the seagull with a baguette stuck in its throat – a hilarious but surprisingly human moment.
The rogue seagull Hyi gets his character
The main character, Sneaky Seagull Yuck, didn't come into being overnight. Henrichson made numerous sketches to find the right expression – not too cute, but not too mean either. In the end, the character was born, who is just the right amount of cunning and charm. The red and white striped scarf makes him easily recognizable and brings a touch of personality to the center of each image.
The first children's book – and many things learned
The biggest challenge in creating Sneaky Seagull Yuck was the consistency of the pictorial style. Since this is Henrichson's first children's book , her own style was still taking shape. She experimented with different techniques and made many of the pictures several times by hand – not digitally. The work took time, but it was precisely this that gave the book its warm and lively atmosphere.
Favorite photo: a sky full of migratory gulls
One of the book's most important images is of a clearing where the sky is filled with moving logs – as if there were traffic chaos in the air. According to Henrichson, drawing this image gave him the creative spark to continue the project to the end.
Everyday inspirations in Copenhagen
Henrichson says he draws inspiration from the urban life of Copenhagen . He spends a lot of time walking around and observing the city's everyday life, its contrasts and coincidences. Each area has its own energy, and small details may end up in drawings later - perhaps in the next book.
Dream project?
When asked about his dream project, Henrichson smiles: “There are too many.” He is fascinated by the idea of new areas and experiments – for example , set design and performance art are appealing. When done well, he says, they can be the most inspiring art.
Sneaky Seagull Yuck is much more than a story about a thieving seagull – it is a tale of freedom, curiosity, and the creative process that taught Linn Henrichson as much as it delights its readers.