Trash-er Island is my fave incorporating the robust rambunctiousness of pirates in search of treasure and one of the planet’s most abhorrent yet oft overlooked environmental disasters; oceanic garbage gyres.
Out of sight, out of mind may be the case for the vast majority of us Earth dwellers but for Tilly, a young pirate determined to win the annual Pirate Regatta, reality couldn’t be more obvious.
Ridiculed by her erstwhile pirate chums for her humbly built boat, Tilly’s chance of reaching Treasure Island seem slim.
Things take a terrible turn for the worse when a storm strikes rendering her ship all but scuttled. Adrift and mapless, she eventually encounters an island, not of treasure but trash. Mountains and mountains of it. Could this trash be the treasure Tilly needs to secure the title and respect of her fellow sea mates?
Mirelle the mermaid encounters a similar environmental emergency except she is far too vain to appreciate its magnitude at first. Mirelle lives for the adulation her fans bestow upon her rendering her blind to the pollution plight of her beautiful ocean home; its daily degradation from discarded human waste, rubbish and contaminants. As the gruesome garbage encroaches her own beauty, she realises that action is needed. Alas, no one is keen to take responsibility for such a titanic problem. Exasperated, Mirelle embarks on an inspiring oceanic clean-up, finding beauty and purpose beyond the reflection of her mirror.
As with Trash-er Island, Mirelle’s Mirror is illustrated with bright and bouncy hues that merrily marry human-esque and sea creature characters. I mean what is more attractive to littlies than mermaids and pirates - dinosaurs and unicorns notwithstanding!
Things take a terrible turn for the worse when a storm strikes rendering her ship all but scuttled. Adrift and mapless, she eventually encounters an island, not of treasure but trash. Mountains and mountains of it. Could this trash be the treasure Tilly needs to secure the title and respect of her fellow sea mates?
Mirelle the mermaid encounters a similar environmental emergency except she is far too vain to appreciate its magnitude at first. Mirelle lives for the adulation her fans bestow upon her rendering her blind to the pollution plight of her beautiful ocean home; its daily degradation from discarded human waste, rubbish and contaminants. As the gruesome garbage encroaches her own beauty, she realises that action is needed. Alas, no one is keen to take responsibility for such a titanic problem. Exasperated, Mirelle embarks on an inspiring oceanic clean-up, finding beauty and purpose beyond the reflection of her mirror.
As with Trash-er Island, Mirelle’s Mirror is illustrated with bright and bouncy hues that merrily marry human-esque and sea creature characters. I mean what is more attractive to littlies than mermaids and pirates - dinosaurs and unicorns notwithstanding!
Youngsters are introduced to a sea-full of curious ocean creatures in conjunction with some pretty hefty pollution issues. Yet, Wallace thoughtfully offers budding environmentalists ways they can positively contribute and help turn the tide of degradation around. QR codes are also included permitting further exploration and action.
In this way, these books are a win win; entertaining and engaging, perfect for classroom global predicament discussions.
In this way, these books are a win win; entertaining and engaging, perfect for classroom global predicament discussions.
Titles: Trash-er Island &
Mirelle’s Mirror
Author: Katheine Wallace
Illustrator: Ella Elviana
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children, $14.95
Publication Date: October 2023 & March 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789815113525 & 9789815084115
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book