“The Surfer and the Mermaid,” is a stunning children’s book, bringing together the work of some of the surfing world’s most creative talents.

Photographer Ted Greambeau captured the images of surfer Dave Rastovich and mermaid model Hannah Fraser swimming with humpback whales off the islands of Tonga. The spectacular images were intended to promote Dave’s work in marine conservation, as co-founder of Surfers For Cetaceans.

When writer Tim Baker saw the images, he noticed a natural story-line emerge, of a young surfer entranced by the waves and given entry to the underwater world. Graphic designer Graham Murdoch has fashioned Grambeau’s images and Baker’s words into a delightful narrative journey.

The result is an extraordinary children’s book with a powerful environmental message that will delight and inspire parents and children alike.

The images depict a surreal underwater world where the young surfer is led by an enchanting mermaid into the depths to meet her marine friends. The whales are wary and skeptical of the creature from above, whose kind has wreaked such havoc on the marine environment.

A sudden awakening and burning determination is sparked in the boy, that he and all who ride the waves must do more to protect the oceans, which provide our playground.

The lingering message is one of hope, optimism and a call to action for all lovers of the ocean, to rally in defense of the marine environment.

Perhaps what is most remarkable about Grambeau's photos is that there is no photoshopping involved, the images presented are precisely as they came out of the camera, apart from the cover which is a montage of two images. All other photos rely on Grambeau's skill as a photographer and the uncanny ability of his subjects, human and cetacean, to interact naturally and without fear.

"The Surfer and the Mermaid," is available on-line through Ted Grambeau's website, here.