You may be familiar with
the humble blobfish – the animal that has been deemed by some as the ‘Ugliest
Animal in the World’ (a harsh and cruel title, at that). But what you might not know about blobfish is that they can be incredibly funny, full of life, and make great friends.
This blobfish lives deep, deep, deep in the sea (as blobfish do), and all they want is a friend. But sadly, no one really wants to be friends with them.
This is a true waste, because they would make a great friend. Blobfish is seriously funny, and loves to tell jokes. So one day, they decide to swim up, up, up – all the way to the surface. There, they finally find… a friend!
But this friend isn’t all it seems. It is a plastic bag that has carelessly been thrown off the pier. Blobfish and the plastic bag start up what seems like a beautiful friendship, but when things get a little close after some dancing, poor blobfish is in serious trouble and dangerous waters. Will they get saved in the nick of time? And if so, will Blobfish ever have a true friend?
This book was seriously funny, which makes sense seeing as author Olaf Falafel is a comedian. I laughed out loud multiple times and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! It was also quite poignant at times, and brought up the important environmental issue of plastics in the ocean. It is heartfelt and SUPER funny (as I may have mentioned) and manages to deal with issues of belonging, making friends, and taking care of our oceans. I thoroughly enjoyed this hilarious story that cleverly uses humour as a tool to take the edge off a serious environmental topic.
The illustrations are fantastic and bright. The blobfish is perfectly rendered, and the page layout and design worked well. The comic book styled squares on many of the pages will appeal to its intended slightly older audience. It has a unique tone to the whole story and I think it will suit a diverse range of kids.
Blobfish is a thoroughly enjoyable story, and one I highly recommend! Whoever claimed that blobfish are the ugliest fish in the world, had better read this book and learn some kindness.
Title: Blobfish
Author/Illustrator: Olaf Falafel
Publisher: Walker Books, $29.99
Publication Date: 31 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406397659
For ages: 3 - 9
Type: Picture Book
