Review: Hairbrain Saves The Ocean

If you’ve ever lived with an inventor you’ll know that they can talk themselves (and you) into anything. That’s what Hairbrain does - talks himself into being the inventor that saves the ocean, singlehandedly (apart from when he enlists the unwavering help of his very patient and rather ingenious little sister, Zammy).

This is a story about how I came with a MASSIVELY brainy plan to CELAN up all the disgusting pollution on the beach to help save the whole WORLD!!!!!!

(And also save my own school holidays)

(Which is not so important as saving the world, I know)

(But I thought I’d mention it anyway)

(In case you guys are interested)

This book from beloved duo Danny Katz and Mitch Vane (think ‘Little Lunch!’) bears all their hallmark signatures – chaotic, messy words and word-play, with wacky illustrations that make you laugh out loud and spit drink out your nose.

Hairbrain is boastful, bad at spelling, single-minded and an opportunist who also cares about cleaning up the ocean - mainly because he’s on holidays and wants a swim before chomping into his favourite dinner of spag bol.

Hairbrain is an anti-hero. Everything he does is backwards and crazy, yet this gallavanting storyline still manages to cleverly espouse the virtues of clearing up after ourselves and caring beyond our own backyards.

A disgusting and entertaining romp, as ever, this book will find fans in all corners of the ocean.
Winner winner chicken dinner.

(But with fish.

And an ocean).

Title: Hairbrain Saves The Ocean
Author: Danny Katz
Illustrator: Mitch Vane
Publisher: Walker Books, $15.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9785760656515
For Ages: 7 +
Type: Junior Fiction