Seb and Polly Planet on their Ocean Quest
Pre-order your copy today, together we can bring this to print.
Join the adventures of Seb and Polly in this highly acclaimed and beautifully illustrated chapter book aimed at children age 5+. Created to empower kids (and grown-ups!) to PALL: Plastic A Lot Less.
Since Blue Planet Two, the problem of plastic pollution has made dramatic headlines. Solving this daunting problem can feel overwhelming, even to adults.
Through the magical adventures of daring Seb, children learn about the effects of plastic pollution and, more importantly, are enlightened as to the simple and practical ideas on how they (and their carers) can help prevent it.
In this fun-filled book our strong, compassionate, female superhero Polly (plus narwhals, albatrosses and a leatherback turtle!) opens Seb’s eyes to the challenges facing the ocean from plastic pollution, and teaches her ways on how to overcome them. With Polly’s guidance, Seb learns the ultimate truth: that her actions really can make a difference to the world. Please help us get this into the hands of many, by pre-ordering your copy today!
With a compassionate, strong, female superhero showing Seb the way, in this fun-filled book Seb is taught how to overcome the challenges she faces and learns the difference she is making.
This book will appeal to parents, carers, grandparents, aunties, uncles, eco-schools, educators, community groups, indeed anyone who is interested in environmental issues and who want to empower children to make good choices.
The author Michelle Cassar is in her second decade of Being-PALL #PlasticALotLess and has always led with solutions.
Rather than focus on recycling, this book takes a fresh approach by concentrating on the Three Rs – Refuse, Reduce and Re-use. We need to 'turn off the tap' of plastic use. Recycling has made recent headlines, as Asia is starting to refuse plastics deemed for recycling.
We aim to get this book into as many children’s hands as possible, so they can enjoy the story and learn about the real, achievable solutions for themselves and the adults in their lives. Supporting us by pre-ordering this book will help do just that!
It's already had rave reviews ...
Children, organisations, and educators love it! Read a few of the reviews below:
We will be donating a percentage of profits directly to these groundbreaking organisations preventing plastic pollution.
Plastic Oceans UK
Widely known for their multi-award-winning film, ‘A Plastic Ocean’ on Netflix. Founded in 2009 by Jo Ruxton after working as a Producer at the BBC Natural History Unit, Jo has been praised and supported by Sir David Attenborough, who has called her the leader of this movement currently happening in Plastic Pollution prevention.
Plastic Free July
Based in Perth Australia, the idea of #PlasticFreeJuly came to the founder Rebecca Pruiz after a visit to a recycling centre in 2011. She came back to her office and suggested they go plastic free, for just one month. Fast forward to 2019 and they have encouraged millions of individuals to commit to reducing their plastic use in over 170 countries worldwide
City To Sea
City to Sea is an award-winning not-for-profit campaigning to prevent plastic pollution at source. It was founded in 2015 by campaigner and author Natalie Fee – after watching a moving trailer for 'Midway' by Chris Jordan, she decided she needed to do something to prevent plastic pollution at source. This growing organisation, based in Bristol has already become a leader in the UK with successful campaigns such as Switch the Stick, Refill and Plastic Free Periods. I’ve been part of the team since 2015.
The final text has been worked on by a copywriter, a children’s editor, with input from teachers and, most importantly, children!
Although the book, the plot and most of the characters were Michelle's idea back in 2014, it wouldn't have got to this stage without the other team members, plus family and friends, who have generously contributed personal and professional support, input, advice and costume-making skills (as well as stroking my head on a few occasions!) over the past five years.
We thank you all and personal acknowledgments will be in print once this book becomes a reality.
The Creator and Project Leader
Hi, I'm Michelle Cassar. I'm in my second decade of BeingPall – #PlasticALotLess - providing effective solutions and raising awareness of plastic pollution, long before it was trendy! I'm a professional photographer and surfer and learned first-hand the devastating effects of plastic pollution after initiating a beach clean when I was living in Portugal in 2008. That same evening I watched a graphic video of animals entangled in plastic so decided that I HAD to take positive action. The very next day, I started refusing single-use plastic, inspiring others to do the same.
Eleven years later, having dedicated my life to my thispassion, I've come a long way since I mobilised that small community in Portugal. I've appeared on BBC radio, national television, given countless public speeches and taken part in panel debates on environmental issues. I've helped all sorts of people reduce their plastics, from individuals and businesses to national companies, including TGI Friday UK, which removed their plastic straws after I discussed them with their CEO. I've also taken my work into schools and children's festivals to help educate the next generation and have been working at the multi-award- winning City to Sea since 2015.
I'm an Essex girl but now live in the Victorian seaside town of Weston- Super-Mare, where I gaze at the sea hoping for a surfable wave ... I've decided it's best to learn kite surfing!
The Illustrator
Artist and mum-of-two, Eve Bourrat, is a professional illustrator based in beautiful Falmouth, Cornwall and works under the name Creat’eve Illustration. Eve was really keen to be involved in the project after hearing about it through a friend, Michelle loved her style straight away - vibrant and fun with quirky characters using digital media - and Eve’s two boys can't wait to see it in print!
The Editor
Karen Rigden is a professional editor based in Reading. She’s highly experienced in the development and project management of a wide range of illustrated titles, including children's non-fiction. Karen and Michelle have worked closely since 2016 to ensure this project appeals to both boys and girls and Karen really has helped make this story fly – literally!
The Copywriter
Sarah O’Neill is a professional word wizard who has encouraged Michelle throughout the whole journey since the birth of the project back in 2014. She has made sense of Michelle’s writing providing feedback, suggestions, editorial changes and proofreading services, as well as working on the copy for the crowdfunder. . Their friendship started in Portugal in 2006 at a time when Michelle always had a plastic water bottle in her hand. Sarah works remotely from southern Spain.
This whole project was inspired by Scarlett, the (then) six year old.
Scarlett is the daughter of old friends with whom Michelle lived when she spent six months living in Singapore in 2014/15.
Scarlett was the seed of the idea that became the colourful character of Seb, as Michelle was inspired by Scarlett refusing palm oil products and then plastics. Michelle couldn't help notice Scarlett taking matters into her own young hands, rather than waiting for grown-ups to do so.
Michelle was working at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore, teaching children about plastic pollution and how to be PALL. Seeing how easily children adopted the practice of refusing plastics gave Michelle huge encouragement to continue her plastic awareness quest. The school children were also inspired to set up a 'say NO to plastics’ day across the whole school.
The idea for this story - a smart little girl with big ideas having visits from marine animals – came to her while Michelle was watching a tropical storm brew. She began scribbling it down on scrap paper and the next day banged out the very first draft with the characters and storyline already in place. Since then, Michelle has worked tirelessly on the copy to produce the book as it is today and young Scarlett continues to be part of the editing process, giving Michelle lots of advice, and she’s just as spirited at the ripe old age of 10!
The Future
Once this book gets published and is in the hands of educators, parents and children, more and more people are going to hear about Seb and Polly Planet and one of my key aims is to take it into schools and along to festivals. Children refusing single-use plastic and being inspired to dress up as one of the main characters for World Book Day would be an absolute dream
If the Ocean Quest proves popular, Michelle has further stories up her sleeve which will continue Seb and Polly’s adventures, as Seb’s awareness grows and she takes urgent action ... We’re looking at exciting times ahead and, with your help this can be a reality.
How is the money being spent?
Our target of £6,800.00 will fund the printing of 750 copies of Seb and Polly Planet and their Ocean Quest.
- Printing of 750 copies paperback copies
- Printing at a local independent printers Maxwell House based in Weston Super Mare using vegetable inks and recycled paper
- PALL #PlasticALotLess packaging for the book to be posted
- Distribution
- Illustrator
- Editors
- Crowdfunder film
- Marketing costs, cost of ISBN numbers, CSB check and book listing
- Donations to Plastic Oceans UK, Plastic Free July and City to Sea
- Crowdfunding fees
Thank you to Harry Knight for the filming and editing of the crowdfunder film.
Rewards
Unlimited Superhero Signed Copy and PALL Party Guide
£13.00 Superheroes fly on in and be one of the first to get your signed copy of the book
(incl P&P in the UK). And a complete downloadable guide on how to PALL #PlasticALotLess a party, for big and little superheroes. Created especially by Polly Planet (and mothers!) 'cos all superheroes need a super #PALL party!
One Superhero in Bristol, Zero Green Experience
This reward gives £30 to spend in Bristol's first zero waste shop, the awesome Zero Green in Bedminster plus a signed copy of the book. This is the reward that will be gone fast ... fly in while you can! (Incl UK P&P).
One Superhero internet shopper
Superheroes who like to shop from the sofa, get set with some at the wonderful online store 'The Plastic Free shop' Includes £30 to spend there, and a signed copy of the book. This is the reward that will be gone fast ... fly in while you can! (Incl UK P&P).
Calling 50 super special SUPERHEROES YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK | PALL PARTY GUIDE
£40.00 Special Superheroes, this is for you! A signed copy of the book, with YOUR name printed (or the name of a dedicatee) as a thank you for being one of our first superhero supporters (incl UK P&P).
Plus a complete downloadable guide on how to PALL #PlasticALotLess a party, for big and little superheroes. Created especially by Polly Planet (and mothers!) 'cos all superheroes need a super #PALL party!
A visit from Superhero Polly Planet herself!
£375.00 Get together with friends and let your mini superheroes experience Polly Planet coming to life at your home or school, where she will read the story especially for them.
Includes SEVEN signed copies of the book plus seven downloadable party guides.
Polly can fly into Weston, Bristol or Essex. With other locations you'll need to fund transport. Visits must be booked before November.
Three Superheroes seaside weekend PALL retreat
£775.00 Available to three groups of up to four superhero friends who want a weekend away by the sea and be inspired to #PALL.
A retreat like no other, enjoy the seaside during a two-night stay in Michelle’s Air B&B, just minutes walk from the beach. Learn some top tips from an expert on how to actively reduce your plastic use. Everything is included! See more details in the FAQs.
Plus FOUR signed copies of the book for you or your mini superheroes.
Two Corporate Superheroes wanted!
£1,750.00 Tick those CRS boxes! Your dedicated team of up to three superheroes will receive a team building weekend BeingPALL retreat in the Victorian seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare.
Includes: SIX signed copies of the book, your company’s name printed in the first print run, a two-night stay in Michelle’s Air B&B with food and PALL training.
Go back to the office refreshed and equipped to PALL it! Ask for more details.
FAQs
When will I receive my reward?
We estimate that, within six weeks of reaching our target, you will receive your book. The weekend away in Weston-Super-Mare to be taken in August / September 2019 (negotiable).
You mention the book is being printed to the best standards for the oceans, please explain how.
We are not going to add unnecessary air freight miles to our product (most books are printed in China, taking six weeks on a ship to get to Europe!) so we will be using Weston Super Mare Maxwell House Printers. They use recycled paper and vegetable inks, making sure the product is as ocean-friendly as possible.
I don’t know any children, but would love to support this, can you pass it on?
Yes, we can give a copy to local schools in Weston Super Mare on your behalf, or to a school near where you live, whichever you prefer.
When will Seb and Polly Planet go on sale to the general public?
The book will go on sale after the successful crowdfunder, so you’ll be the first people to read it!
Will it only go on sale if the crowdfunder is successful?
YES! To gauge interest and to get the project off the ground the crowdfunder needs to be a success. So please support us!
Where will the book be on sale?
Currently The Plastic Free Shop on-line shop have offered to stock the book so.
We are a book shop and would like to stock the book, will that be possible?
Yes! Please email Michelle who will provide wholesale prices and arrange everything.
We have a Zero Waste shop, will we be able to stock it?
Yes! We hope every Zero Waste shop across the country will be stockists. Please email Michelle who will provide wholesale prices and arrange everything.
We are a tiny shop and would love to stock it, but before we purchase a lot of copies can we try a few to see how it goes?
Yes, small minimum orders will be possible to make it accessible to all.
We are not a book shop or a Zero Waste shop, but sometimes hold a village hall stall etc etc, can WE stock it to?
Yes, , if this book is successful, we'd love everyone to stock it!
How much will the book cost to purchase?
The book will be £7.99 plus P&P
Why are you encouraging children to reduce plastics when it should be corporations?
Good point! It’s proven that consumers play a huge role in what we are supplied by companies - what is currently known as ‘The Blue Planet effect’. It was announced in April that single use plastics have decreased since Blue Planet Two, so it seems that, where consumers go, companies follow … unfortunately they don’t always seem to be inspired to do so otherwise!
Children aren’t consumers, why aim at them?
Children as young as five will happily refuse the single use plastics they are offered. They might not do the weekly shop, but they will learn from a young age to feel comfortable with refusing and will inspire the adults in their lives to do likewise.
It says the book is talking about reducing, not recycling?
When it comes to plastics, recycling is complicated. Most is just downcycled, if at all. In 2018 we recycled just 9 % with the majority of our recycling going to Asia. Since China shut its doors in 2017 Asia is sending it back, check out headlines from May 2019 and episode one of War on Plastic on BBC2 with Hugh and Anita.
What are your connections to the chosen organisations who will receive donations from the book?
Plastic Oceans UK - Michelle has been supporting Plastic Oceans on-line since they started in 2009. Michelle went on to organise not one, but two sell out nights of the film in January 2016 in Bristol to over 600 people. The Plastic Free Shop mentioned above was set up because of those events!
Michelle has spoken alongside Jo at panel events and is always honoured to do so!
Plastic Free July - Michelle and Rebecca Pruiz (Founder of Plastic Free July) both feature in the international section of Beth Terry's second edition of 2014 'My Plastic Free, How I kicked the Plastic Habit and You Can Too'. From there Rebecca got in touch when she won the Winston Churchill Fellowship Award and visited the UK. Michelle gave her a memorable bike tour around Bristol!
City to Sea - Natalie Fee, the founder, got in touch with Michelle over Twitter when she first moved to Bristol in 2015. Michelle learnt all about City to Sea and went on to be one of the original four team members between 2015 and 2018. That team of four has now grown to over 25 team members! Michelle continues to work with City to Sea, now in a part time capacity, so she can work on Seb and Polly Planet as her exciting personal project.
How much will the organisations you’re supporting receive?
That depends how many books are sold! A percentage from the proceeds is going to the organisations, so the more we sell the more they stand to benefit.
Will you be posting out of the UK?
For sure! The postage costs will vary so why not get together with friends or local school and order more copies for a discount?
Australia is a long way, will you air freight?
I will give an option to have copies delivered via ship but, naturally, that will take a lot longer!
Depending what the interest is overseas, I would look to print another edition with a local eco printer in that country.