Bubbles the Zooting, Tooting Manatee by Minky Stapleton

Bubbles is a lovable, funny, one-of-a-kind manatee with a love for speed. While the other young manatees practice moving gracefully and slowly, Bubbles is a gassy little manatee who loves swimming fast. The more she eats, the more she toots, and the faster she zoots. Her elegant mother and aunties are horrified, but when trouble arrives in the form of an alligator, can Bubbles save the day?

This is another fun picture book from Minky Stapleton. Yes, it's potty humour, but it's based on manatees, which use farting to adjust their buoyancy. Stapleton includes fun and farty facts about manatees at the back of the book, which is a nice bonus for New Zealand children, many of whom will have no reference to draw on for a manatee. Stapleton may well inspire some new fans of the manatee with Bubbles. 

We particularly liked that Bubbles is a girl - it may seem like a small thing, but it was a nice touch that Stapleton doesn't rely on the stereotypical with this book. Girls aren't always "sugar and spice" and they can appreciate the 'gross' parts of life too.

Too many children's books rely on rhyme above all else, often sacrificing the story. But not this one. It was a refreshing read. Stapleton creates a nice little quirk, with the manatees speaking French. Don't panic though, there's a helpful sea snail, complete with beret, to help with the few translations.

Stapleton's illustrations are fun, with bright pink manatees immediately catching the reader's eye. There's lots of underwater creatures to spot. The design of the book adds to the energy of the illustrations too, with varied sizes, colours and fonts to keep things fresh and interesting.

With a deeper meaning about celebrating differences and finding your own place in the world, Bubbles the Zooting, Tooting Manatee will zoom her way into the heart of younger readers. 

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic