Bronte's big business by Liane Young. Illus. by Tamlyn Teow

Bronte is tearing up the sand at the Nippers training session at her local Surf Club, when Jian falls injured rounding a marker in the sand.  Lucky lifesavers know what to do!  The offending shard of sharp plastic helped Bronte to notice the growing amount of human detritus on her beach, posing such danger and impacting on the environment. She loves the beach but the nasty litter problem really troubles her.

When Annabelle's friends holiday at Bronte’s house, Amy, Matilda, Jasmine and Emily encourage Bronte to use her artistic ability to raise awareness for the littering problem on the local coastline and waterways.

Aided by her new friends and family, she prints her cute environmental artworks and messages onto reusable rubbish bags, water bottles and other personal items. Her Sunday stall outside the Surf Club (the beneficiary) is an instant success but her customised line of products means that she has more drawing work than she can handle – but that’s a good problem, or is it?  Doesn't everyone deserve balance in their lives - childhood should be fun. Can she solve this very grown up issue?

For those who love uplifting, entertaining stories based on real Australian kids, this book also contains an important message: everyone can do their bit to care for the environment but shouldn't feel singularly responsible. Liane Young, explores this theme of children feeling guilty or distressed, mistakenly believing that they have personal responsibility to save the planet. At least Bronte is no longer anxious about becoming friends with Annabelle’s friends and they all get along well in the two weeks, uniting as a team to test their theories about art, commerce and community attitudes.

Tamlyn Teow, the illustrator sprinkles cute pencil sketches (Bronte’s own style) throughout the 70 page large-print novella, finishing with a photo and bio of author Liane Young.

NB An Australian Girl Doll website launched 5 dolls based on all of the main characters . The biographies, pets, accessories and a cute carry bag are available for these 50cm companions who are distinctly Australian. Visit www.australiangirldoll.com.au

Starting a small business will appeal to young girls who love to help their community and hang out together. We can’t help but wonder whether any future businesswomen or corporate bosses will acknowledge Bronte’s story as their source of social responsibility.  

Themes: Environment, conservation, Australiana, friendship, social responsibility.

Deborah Robins