Billy, the protagonist of the book, begins the story desperately wanting owls as pets. He is determined to get them, putting in time and energy to achieve his goal, and the intensity of his dedication demonstrates that when he puts his mind to something, he works hard to make it happen. While it may be coincidence that allows him to easily find the owls, it is clear from his tenacity that he would have found them one way or another. He approaches most things in his life this way: with the idea that nothing is impossible and that most problems are surmountable with effort and ingenuity.

Not only is Billy determined, but he is also knowledgeable about the animals in the natural environment that surrounds him. When he discusses the world outside, he often uses figurative language that creates a richer, more vivid setting. Not only do his descriptions make the natural world come alive, but they also reveal his sense of intimacy with the natural world and his eagerness to interact with it as often as possible. To further emphasize his love of the outdoors over the urban world, he frequently speaks of it using much more eloquent language than he applies to his descriptions of the city of Saskatoon or the rooms of his school.