AustLit

'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.' (Publication summary)