Philip Caveney has been writing fiction for many years and although he previously concentrated on adult thrillers it was when his 10 year old daughter asked him if she could read one of his books, that he sat down to write something 'just for her.'

The result was Sebastian Darke: Prince Of Fools, a medieval comedy adventure published by Random House in January 07.

Publications:

Sebastian Darke: Prince Of Fools 2007

Sebastian Darke: Prince Of Pirates 2008

Alec Devlin: Eye of the Serpent 2008

Coming soon...Sebastian Darke: Prince Of Explorers, in January 09.

Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools Recently short-listed for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, The Stockton Prize and the Coventry Inspiration Award. Also long-listed for the Manchester Book Award!

School Visits

Philip is happy to work with KS1, 2 and 3.

For KS1 Philip uses his two rhyming books, Wiggley Wood and Grace and the Tiger. For KS2 and 3 Philip brings to life Sebastian Darke. The usual format is a 45 minute session comprising a reading, followed by a question and answer session, where the children can find out what it's really like to be a published author.

At the end of the day there's an opportunity to purchase a discounted book which can be signed and personalised for each child.

Responses to Philip's visits to schools:

"Dear Mr Caveney. Thanks so much for visiting our school. I really liked listening to your story and I am enjoying the book that you signed to me."

Hannah, Stamford Park Juniors, Altrincham

"Thank you SO much for your visit to our school today. The children and staff enjoyed finding out about how and why you became an author as well as listening to you read an extract from Sebastian Darke; Prince of Fools."

Mrs O' Brian, Our Lady's RC School, Blackburn

"Many thanks for last night's event with the reading group. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and the students were still talking about you this morning!"

Sue Arthur, Priestnall High School

"I am a pupil from Formby High School and I would just like to say thank you for coming and visiting our school, it was an honour to meet you, and if it makes you happy you were the first author I had met and you will probably be the best one that I'll see throughout my life."

FHS Student, Formby High School

"I enjoyed it to see a real live author (sic) and I will buy your book, I want to read more of the book"

"Today was fun and it inspired me cause he tried and tried to get it published and did"

"I enjoyed the book and want to read more. It inspired me into making strange characters and writing".

Three comments from Blackburn Library Event

'I thought your book was exiting and funny, especially because of Max endlessly complaining about any trivial thing! My favourite part of the book was probably all the merchants and king jokes/insults and magical disappearing act at the court. I think the book will be very successful and I hope there will be lots more to come. Formby High hopes that you will come back next year to answer more questions about your second book.

Thomas, Formby High School