Roger the Wrasse and the itchy fishes

This story draws attention to the importance of biodiversity on the reef and illustrates the special roles and relationships animals have under the sea. Told through the eyes of Roger the wrasse, a small and brightly coloured reef fish who is in charge of a cleaning station on the reef. Roger’s bright colours are almost like a neon sign advertising his ‘cleaning services’ to other sea creatures on the reef.

This is the actual action used by cleaner fish to remove dead skin, parasites and bacteria from the bodies of their ‘clients’. This is a very special relationship as the cleaner fish provide a cleaning service to their ‘clients’ and in return, the cleaners get a full stomach. This is a great example of mutualism in nature where two organisms of different species are in a relationship where both benefit.

Through the art of marine science this story will help children to become aware of the importance of biodiversity on the reef. This real-life nature story also illustrates the benefits of helping each other, an important concept to share with young readers. Education and awareness through storytelling is a powerful way of engaging with children and their readers (eg. teachers, parents, grandparents, family, friends etc) as only through positive storytelling can we hope to change behaviours and encourage children to look after each other and look after and protect the ocean.

About the Author

Dr Sue Pillans has always been drawn to the ocean and as an Aussie marine scientist and visual artist she specialises in creative and visual communications to help “Picture your ideas”. Sue’s deep devotion for the ocean is also shared by her alter ego, Dr Suzie Starfish, an Australian children’s author/illustrator (‘Authorstrator’). Dr Suzie Starfish uses the art of marine science and storytelling to engage, educate, and excite children about the wonders of our living oceans. Dr Sue loves to use information and illustration to inspire the imagination and bring her sea stories to life through words and pictures – with a big splash of ocean optimism!

“Roger the Wrasse and the itchy fishes” is the third in the series of children’s picture books written and illustrated by Dr Suzie Starfish. This story draws attention to the importance of biodiversity on the reef and the special roles and relationships animals have under the sea. Other books in the series include “The Great Barrier Thief”, which illustrates the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef and “Cranky Frankie and the oceans of trash”, which pictures the impacts of marine debris and plastic pollution on our oceans and sea life. Each of these picture books draw attention to important ocean issues and offer messages of science, solutions and hope. By diving into her stories Dr Suzie Starfish wants to empower our future ocean guardians (our children) that they CAN be the change they want to ‘sea’ in the world.