Review of Sullie Saves the Seas

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sullie Saves the Seas" by Goffinet McLaren.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Sullie Saves the Seas by Goffinet McLaren is an engaging children's tale that carries a powerful environmental message. The book commemorates the numerous sea creatures and birds that have fallen victim to the scourge of plastic pollution, setting the tone for its passionate narrative.

The story centers around Sullie, a wise old seagull deeply saddened by the increasing litter he witnesses on Turtle Beach, particularly after the human holidays. This litter is unsightly and has tragic consequences for the local wildlife. The vivid description of the beach, strewn with cigarette butts, plastic bags, and remnants of fireworks, paints a grim picture of human negligence.

Sullie, motivated by the crippling injury of his granddaughter, Sullina, due to plastic waste, resolves to combat this pollution. He convenes a meeting with various bird species, each with unique abilities for their mission. The assembly of birds—sandpipers, pelicans, eagles, and albatrosses—signifies the collective effort required to tackle environmental issues. Through their cooperative efforts, Sullie and his friends embark on a series of clever and humorous interventions to educate humans about the harm their litter causes.

The book's narrative cleverly balances the gravity of its message with light-hearted moments and animal camaraderie. For instance, the birds' humorous reactions to human habits, such as smoking and fireworks, are entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of the most poignant parts of the story is the recounting of various tragic incidents caused by plastic waste, such as the pygmy whale that starves due to ingesting a plastic bag and the baby dolphin fatally choked by a plastic shovel. These informative stories evoke empathy and create urgency.

Sullie's leadership and the birds' strategic actions, like placing dog waste on an inconsiderate owner's doorstep or dumping cigarette butts into a smoker's pool, serve as imaginative examples of activism. These episodes illustrate the consequences of littering in a way that is accessible and memorable for children.

The book has minor grammatical errors and is well-edited. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Overall, Sullie Saves the Seas is a story and a call to action. Its engaging plot and vivid characters inspire young readers to take responsibility for their environment. The book also brings awareness to the profound impact of their actions. McLaren's book is a heartfelt plea for a cleaner, healthier planet, encouraging children and adults alike to be more mindful of their ecological footprint.

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Sullie Saves the Seas
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[Amy Luman]

This is a very good way to introduce the subject of littering to children. Kids will be able to see things from the point of view of the sea creatures and they will become more likely to become activists themselves. I do think, though, that the actions taken against violators do not send a good message. Thanks!