Genres
Fiction > Contemporary
Content
Central Themes
Learning Concept
STEM > Science > Climate Change, Natural Materials
SEL > advocacy, conflict resolution
Race / Culture
Unspecified
Our Little Inventor
Author & Illustrator: Sher Rill Ng
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Awards: Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award - Shortlisted
Summary
Nell is set on solving the air quality issues that plague her home, and she is confident in her invention to fix it — so much so, that she journeys to the big city and takes a stand at city hall. While quickly learning the harsh realities of being dismissed and underestimated by those bigger and more powerful, Nell doesn’t lose hope just yet. She goes back to the drawing board to fight smarter and bigger; knowing that an issue this pressing simply cannot be ignored. But, will her determination and voice prove to be mightier than the opposing forces she faces?
In this call-to-action tale, there is no person or idea too small to help build a brighter world.
Review
This story is packed with themes of environmentalism, using your voice, and persevering in the face of adversity. The dark and moody illustrations set a realistic and accurate perspective to the catastrophic climate changes of our society. I enjoy the fact that it doesn’t sugar coat the issue, but it still leaves room for as much optimism and youthful spirit that both the story and our world desperately rely on.
Nell is a determined and brave young girl who doesn’t take no for an answer — in fact, it only lights fire under her cause even more. Her clever invention gives hope to the issues we face in preserving our environment, while emphasising the hard work of young and mighty activists.
Fun fact: this story was made into a children’s opera! Composed by Emma Jayakumar and performed by the West Australian Opera. More about this creative project can be seen in this video.
About the author
Melbourne based illustrator and writer. Check out her website here. She has a really beautiful collection of illustrated picture books with a notable strong and resilient female protagonists . https://sherrillng.com/
Extend the Learning:
| Subject | Prompt | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Describe the picture scenes using your senses. What do you see in Nell’s home vs. in the city? What might you hear or smell? How might the smog feel? Compare these sensations to being at home, in the school classroom or cafeteria, or other familiar places. | KS1: using senses to compare physical properties, learning about nature and habitats |
| Science |
Discuss the materials that Nell uses in her invention and how it seems to work. Encourage your child to consider other places they’ve seen these materials being used, either at home or at school. |
KS1: compare and describe everyday materials |
| Social-Emotional Learning |
How did Nell use her voice? What might’ve happened if she didn’t speak up? |
KS1: Self advocacy |
| Social-Emotional Learning |
How did Nell solve the problem? Did she do it alone? In what ways did others help her? |
KS2: Conflict resolution |
| Social-Emotional Learning |
Imagine if Nell responded to the city council differently – either gotten angry, given up entirely, or something else. Would that have solved the problem? How might you have handled the situation? |
KS1/2: Responsible decision-making |
| Social-Emotional Learning |
Why didn’t the council members not listen to Nell at first? Near the end, how do you think they felt? |
KS2: Considering multiple perspectives |
| Social-Emotional Learning |
Have you ever used your voice to speak up for something? Have you noticed others do it? How might it feel to have someone not listen? |
KS2: Self awareness |