Hairbrain saves the ocean by Danny Katz and Mitch Vane

Despite his nickname, Hairbrain is always thinking up new ideas, particularly those that help people live a better life or to save the planet. In fact, he has a file of 10,782 ideas (approximately.) However, when the family goes to the beach and Hairbrain dons his mask, snorkel and fins expecting to be able to see fish, dugongs and other underwater creatures he is very disappointed to discover nothing more than plastic bags, broken bottles and other rubbish left by humans. And so he invents a machine that he is convinced will clean up the ocean - if only he and his little sister can get it there.

This is a new series by the team who devised the Little Lunch series and its release is timely as naturalist David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday with the release of Ocean and has declared that "If we save the ocean, we can save the planet." So while its narrative might be light-hearted and its presentation designed to appeal to its intended audience of emerging readers who prefer short and sweet stories, there is a serious underlying message that should provoke thinking not only about what we put into our waterways but what we, as individuals and collectively can do to fix the damage already done. Who doesn't want their grandchildren to see fish and dugongs and whales and the wonders of the underwater world?

Whether this is a standalone or the first in a series is unclear, but it may be the springboard to newly independent readers seeking out the Little Lunch series or maybe the PawPrints series which is described as "A new series for emerging readers, written and illustrated by some of Australia's funniest popular creators." Whichever, they will continue to read and confirm their belief that they can be "real readers".

https://youtu.be/v5J7aP2FYH4?si=_L8WY3REXfV1m4ej

Themes: Social action, Environment, Conservation.

Barbara Braxton