Casper has water in his blood, his spirit, and especially in his giant webbed toes…
His greatest ambition is to be the youngest person ever to swim the channel. The trouble is, his mum and dad are determined to ‘protect him’ from the allure of the waves (whatever that means!) and time is running out.
But when a freak accident hospitalises his parents, Casper’s sent to stay with a grandmother he’s never met in the magical seaside town of Corallium … but can he unravel the mysterious link between himself, Corallium and the ocean?
🌊 From the acclaimed author of The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy – winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition Chairman’s Choice Award.
🌊 A wondrous novel about a boy who longs to swim, perfect for readers aged 9 and up.
🌊 Packed full of magical realism, humour, LGBTQ+ representation and a message of acceptance.
Published 11th May 2023
Cover Illustration: Maxine Lee-Mackie
Praise for Son of the Sea
“A hilarious and warm-hearted mystery set in a secretive seaside town, Son of the Sea had me hooked! Casper’s dream to swim the Channel, along with his quest for answers, will keep you laughing and guessing until the very end.”
“A quirky and magical delight with wonderfully queer elders.”
“Beautiful, metaphorical writing and FUN!”
“I love Richard’s writing, it is funny and warm and kind ... Dive on in!”
“Youngsters are set to fall hook, line and sinker for this marvellous and magical tale of a mysterious web-toed boy from the talented Richard Pickard ... Overflowing with its sense of adventure, warm wit, LGBTQ+ representation and a message of acceptance, Son of the Sea is guaranteed to float the boat of all young adventurers!”
“A splashing success, frothing with adventure. This beautiful book is a witty, warm-hearted, web-toed delight.”
World Rights
World rights, excluding Film & TV, are owned by Chicken House. To date, they have sold for World English Audio.