When a sweet, endearing looking jellyfish spots a plastic bag drifting in the ocean she mistakes it for a jelly-boy; and for love as first sight. The story then follows the duo on an adventure into the ocean with the jellyfish becoming both more curious and educated about the perplexing jelly-boy. Worrying events and a strong message about the danger and destruction of plastic in our oceans prevail.
I love the flow in this book; how the words, typography and illustrations work together to tell an engaging and meaningful story. The vibrant colours with bold shapes and textures create a beautiful and fitting design with a touch of vintage style.
The last page features facts and statistics about the harmful effects of plastic to our environment which would be great to drive conversation about marine life and ocean conservation in a classroom or group setting.
Nicole Godwin is an Australian author with a passion for animal protection and environmental conservation, her previous books include Billie and Ella. Some of Christopher Nielsen’s other illustrated books include Ponk, Ali Berber and the Forty Grains of Salt and Eerie: Hunter and Collector.
Title: Jelly-Boy
Author: Nicole Godwin
Illustrator: Christopher Nielsen
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651237
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
