Maura Pierlot (text) and Maya Bora (illustrator), Clutterbugs, Big Ideas Press, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780645099829
Clutterbugs is a surprising title. Because it’s often used to rebuke kids for all the clutter in their room. But, beware, this is not a book of moral lessons. It is a fun picture book, where quirky animated clutterbugs wear gloves and boots ready to declutter. They even have wings to get into every nook and cranny.
‘Let’s get rid of clutter’ the bugs sang with glee. ‘Just KEEP, TOSS, RECYCLE.’
That’s just what they do, in an adventure in Steph’s room which is, to be frank, a mess. Relief too when she eventually finds her lost dog Pierre amidst the jumble. However, Steph is no tidy shocker. She has plenty of creativity and when her room becomes more ordered with the help of the clutterbugs, she finds the string, paint, streamers that she needs to make a special creation for her friend Jay’s party.
It’s a picture book about turning mess into sustainable, environmental awareness and promotes repurposing. Once the mess is manageable, her creativity comes to the fore and the gift for Jay is ultimately the gift he liked most.
Of course, when Steph returns home, the mess has reappeared. However, she knows now she needs to choose what to keep, toss or recycle so she can once again lean into her creativity.
The illustrations by Maya Bora bring Steph’s enthusiasm to the pages with plenty of detail and imagination.
A fun and clever text to engage children in environmental awareness.
Ages: 3-8. Copies can be sourced from the author’s website.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay
