#BookReview:
Clutterbugs, Maura Pierlot (author), Maya Bora (illus.), Big Ideas Press, April 2025.
A neat tale of waste mindfulness wrapped in the gift of creativity, friendship and play, fashioned with whimsy, lively action and heart. This picture book is the gift that keeps on giving!
For readers and environmental warriors as young as four, Clutterbugs will transform perceptions on managing the common crisis of clutter pervading our daily lives. In Steff’s case, her room is so messy, she is literally unable to see the floor. And even worse, she has now lost the gift she bought for her friend Jay’s birthday. Enter these tiny, snuggly-looking blue creatures with a pile of wisdom, tonnes of energy, and loads of organisational skills that have Steff swiftly sweeping her mess into sorted groups with labels, ‘Keep’, ‘Toss’, and ‘Recycle’. Props to Steff for her efficiency (I wish I found decluttering so easy! Perhaps we all need some clutterbugs in our lives!), even though the missing toy rocket remains a mystery (or does it?!). This is where the next phase of the process comes in. With creativity and resourcefulness, Steff shows us how rewarding the art of repurposing can be, and opens our eyes to the ‘mountainous’ impact consumerism can have on our purchasing habits (did you see Steff’s room before she met the clutterbugs?!).
I love how playfully educational this story is without compromising on the art of what makes a great picture book. Maura Pierlot’s rhyme is tidy and fully engaging, whilst Maya Bora’s brightly coloured digital brushwork completely brings mess to life in the most exuberant way possible! Her inclusions of clutter detail, emotion and expression are incredible, not to mention the sneaky antics of Steff’s dog Pierre (watch out for that one!) and of course, those adorably unique and distinctively individual little clutterbugs!
With this book, we’ve discovered the most meaningful gift of all. Clutterbugs, a timely and lively tale introducing young readers to and empowering their positive sustainability practices, personal responsibility and thoughtfulness for others and the world around us. Highly recommended for repeat readings (and it will sit neatly on your bookshelf when it’s time to pack it away!).
Review by Romi Sharp.
Teaching notes will be available soon.
Please find Maura Pierlot at her website: https://maurapierlot.com/ and on Instagram and Facebook.
Please find Maya Bora on Instagram, Facebook and Behance.
Clutterbugs is available for pre-order purchase through Big Ideas Press and The Book Cow.
You Can Clean Up with the Clutterbugs #BOOKGIVEAWAY!
One lucky recipient will be gifted a SIGNED COPY of the delightfully bright, zany and empowering, Clutterbugs!
Join in the fun antics with Maura Pierlot and her animated Clutterbugs, sharing a mountain of goodness with readers across the blogosphere!
#thequicksixinterview #clutterbugs #sustainability #giftgiving #friendship #picturebook #justkidslit
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