The book began as a short story written for my then three-year-old son Caspar. I wanted to offer him a story, with himself as the central character. And I wanted him to be brave and adventuring, and free from parental control. The idea of a small boy sneaking from the house at night, alone and on his own secret mission still captivates me. The spirit of adventure was the key to both story and illustrations from the start. Inspired by stories of childhood secret missions, bravery, and encounters with a world that was beyond parents' control, the narrative developed. At a time when children are less and less free to roam, to be exposed to nature or to create their own adventures I wanted to allow my readers to enter a world with more freedoms, in their imaginations at least. The final aspect of the narrative -- the whales -- carry a gentle environmental message, intended to be a small nudge to children to consider the care of our world and its creatures. SELLING POINTS: * Empowering fantasy adventure for young children * Magical evocative illustrations * Gentle environmental message AUTHOR: Alison Binks grew up in Adelaide, South Australia and completed a Bachelor of Design, specialising in interior design and subsequently worked in architectural companies in Melbourne and New York where she gained significant experience in architectural design. While living in Manhattan and working in architecture Alison began to concentrate more on painting. Alison has exhibited her paintings extensively in New York, the UK and Melbourne. She was a finalist in the ANL Maritime Art Prize in 2011 and in Stanthorpe Art Prize in 2014. Since the birth of her son, Caspar, Alison has focussed on bringing creativity, nature and adventure into her son's life. When Caspar was three, she wrote a short story for him and decided to illustrate it and present it as a book for his birthday. This was the beginning of 'Caspar and the Night Sea'.
