The Stolen Sea

A spoiled princess, an overly indulgent king, and a cast of pirates, ships, herrings, and whales: the entire sea, really, belongs to everyone, and we must learn to respect it. A tale that reminds us our planet cannot be bent to our will.

Once upon a time there was a mountain. And on that mountain was a castle. And in that castle lived a king and a princess. One morning, Princess Petunia said to her father, “Dad, see that sea over there? I want it here!” So, King Romualdo had the sea moved to the mountain!For the fish, the ships, and the pirates, the sea became a desert. But even though the fish, whales, and hermit crabs couldn’t rebel, the pirates most certainly could…

Rights sold: Simplified Chinese language

Key Selling Points:

– Universal Ecological Lesson: a playful story that teaches respect for the sea and our shared planet.

– Adventure & Humor: packed with pirates, princesses, whales, and clever twists.

– Early Childhood Appeal: designed for ages 3+, rich illustrations and engaging narrative

Author & Illustrator

Gek Tessaro is a multi-award-winning Italian author and illustrator, renowned for his unique ability to blend poetic storytelling with profound philosophical and social reflection. His work is characterized by a distinctive, rhythmic rhymes that serve as the heartbeat of his narratives, making his voice unmistakable in the landscape of children’s literature.

Tessaro’s poetics move between two complementary poles. On one hand, he offers a celebration of “deep ecology,” inviting readers to rediscover the vibrant world hidden beneath their feet. On the other, his work carries a bold, almost anarchic streak, using poetry to dismantle the absurdity of war and the narrow-mindedness of the adult world. Through a delicate yet piercing irony, he champions individual freedom and the courage to remain “outside the box.”

Central to Tessaro’s vision is the shift in perspective. Whether he is giving a voice to a tiny insect or questioning the logic of power, he always speaks from “half a meter tall” – the perfect height to bridge the gap between the small and the great. This stance allows him to teach empathy and resistance simultaneously: a child’s breath can be a storm for a ladybug, just as a child’s imagination can be the ultimate defense against the grey rigidity of adulthood.

His books – often transformed into immersive live projection theater performances –  transform beetles, dreamers, and rebels into protagonists of a grand, moving stage. A recipient of the prestigious Andersen Prize and twice selected for the White Ravens catalogue, Gek Tessaro continues to prove that telling stories in rhyme is not just an aesthetic choice, but a powerful act of freedom.