Celia is making a nest. She is surveying the sea below her, looking out for items to help with its building. There is lots of flotsam on the
waves. Not seaweed or driftwood, but bright blobs of plastic. As Celia swoops closer, she spies all manner of plastic litter. A pink straw catches her eye.
It’s not the only thing she spots. A sea creature is struggling but is pleased to see her.
“Celia Seagull, I’m glad you’re about,
There’s a straw in my jaw and I can’t get it out.”
Does Celia go to his aid? No, she pretends to be far too busy to help, and escapes back to her nest as fast as she can fly.
Again and again, Celia flies down to scope the water for more plastic to weave into her nest. Alas, again and again she ignores more creature’s pleas for help in escaping the plastic scrap that has imprisoned them.
Finally pleased with her humongous nest, she settles down into it for the night without a thought for the day behind her. Until she too needs help. Will no-one come to her aid?
A most unexpected being from the deep appears at Celia’s side to help. Experiencing the same fear and fright that she’d repeatedly ignored during the day allows Celia to see the plastic problem from her fellow sea creature’s point of view.
Endorsed by world reknown Conservationist Jane Goodall, Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea is a well rhymed story showing the harm of plastic in the world’s oceans. It also shows a seagull who believes she is much more important than any others she meets, with her own desires (agenda) put first.
In real terms, both of these world-wide issues need to be solved to enable solutions to this ever growing problem and other environmental disasters to be addressed.
Although a serious and sobering topic, I fell in love with the illustrations, particularly the animal life and the expressions on Celia’s face. Finding the story culminate there was a wonderful surprise. Can we all change our ways like Celia has, and make a difference to others and our planet in need?
The repetition in the rhythm of the rhyme will also allow younger children to enjoy this animal, empathy, and environmental tale, and the touch of fantasy will thrill too. The rear of the book has information on The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation, Plastic Free July and the Roots and Shoots Organisation, all aiming to care for our environment.
A personal favourite in the plethora of environmental books for children.
Author – Nicole Miller
Illustrator – Lily Uivel
Picture Book
(2021, Little Love, Mary Egan Publishing, NZ, New Zealand Author, Birds, Animals, Plastic in our oceans, Seabird, Selfish, Empathy, Environment, Fantasy element, Throwaway plastic, single use plastic, Recycle, Rubbish Disposal, Friend in need, Help, Scrap, Self Importance, Sharing)