The pair launched their children’s book, Nautical Nonsense, at Thornton Public School last week as part of Book Week celebrations.

The book, which James and Trescott wrote and illustrated, explores the weird and whacky names that are given to sea creatures, personifying and animating them so they look as their name suggests.

Sea horses, sword fish and a blue-ringed octopus are among the creatures beautifully illus­trated in the book vibrantly coloured.

James, who previously taught at Thornton as an art teacher and produced many of the murals at the school, said the idea had been with them for some time.

“It probably sat on the shelf for 10 years there,” he said.

“The illustrations took a long time, but we’re really happy with it, this is in our style.”

The pair began their creative partnership after meeting whenTrescott was James’ art teacher at Maitland Boys High in the mid-1980s.

Trescott said he was confident the book would be well received.

“We had unswerving faith; we knew we had a good product,” he said. “It’s educational and fun, the kids love it too with the characters and the colours.” 

The 36-page hardcover book can be bought at www.artbylj. com