Blobfish
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
A heartfelt and humorous adventure from the bottom of the sea and beyond, following one fish on an epic journey.
Deep, deep, deep under the sea … lives Blobfish! Blobfish loves telling jokes, although he has no one to share them with, so he sets off on an adventure to find a friend. But sometimes friends turn up in the most unexpected places, even at the bottom of the ocean. This heartfelt and humorous story gently introduces children to themes of friendship, belonging and the issue of plastics in our oceans.
Resources
Creators
Olaf Falafel is an author, illustrator and a stand-up comedian (which is pretty similar to a stand-up chameleon except he doesn't change colour to blend in with the background). He's the holder of The Funniest Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe and has created and performed several stupidly named comedy shows including Olaf Falafel and the Cheese Of Truth. As well as trying to make people laugh on stage, Olaf draws a lot and tries to come up with funny ideas for kids books. He also has an Art Club on Youtube full of real drawing tips and facts about famous artists. Olaf loves visiting schools too, in 2019 he went to 100 schools in 100 days - when he was done, he put his feet up and had a well earned cup of tea! Olaf's recent books include Unleash Your Creative Monster: A Children's Guide to Writing written by Andy Jones, with lashings of Olaf's jokes and bright and bold illustrations. Find out more about his work at www.olaffalafel.com
Reviews
This humorous and appealing story with bold and striking illustrations has a strong message for its readers about the danger to sea creatures of plastic in the ocean. A great book to share for World Oceans Day.
Read Plus
No matter what age you are, I strongly suggest getting yourself a copy of this to cheer you up. Blobfish has a great message about finding friendship and battling loneliness for kids, but for adults it’s a real fun time. It also has a little message about plastic pollution and how that impacts fish as a bonus too!
Upside Down Books
Blobfish has an important message for youngsters about the dangers of plastic in the sea and why we must dispose of beach litter carefully.
Geelong Advertiser
Above the water, kids happily play on the beach, but below the water Blob Fish is a lonely bottom-dweller in desperate need of a buddy. He spends his days lying on the sea floor, telling dad jokes to no one in particular. Annoyingly, everyone else appears to have a special friend; seahorses are playing catchy, jellyfish share laughs, but Blob Fish is just … well, blobby. Back on the beach, a plastic bag dances in the wind, lands on the water and ominously sinks towards the hapless fish. Olaf Falafel’s entertaining and cleverly crafted story about friendship and protecting the environment is a direct hit to the heart and mind.
Sydney Morning Herald
Comedian Olaf Falafel tackles some big issues in 32 pages – littering and water pollution, loneliness, and friendship. By and large this tongue in cheek tale takes a light-hearted look at a serious environmental issue and does a great job for its intended audience. Weaving in themes of belonging and friendship against such an immense topic is a tricky feat, but there is enough charm and character to carry it through to its fairy tale conclusion, with some valuable learning along the way. Combining Blobfish’s journey with the illustrations of the damage plastics can do in the ocean is a powerful example, weaving together imaginative text and informational graphics for younger readers. The illustrations are colourful and bright, and the cover leaves no question as to the quirkiness that lies within. Preschool and kindergarten readers will delight in the funny antics of Blobfish and will connect with his earnest desire for a friend.
Reading Time
