Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea

By Nicole Miller

“A delightful story that speaks to the harm that is caused by the plastic waste that ends up in the sea. The message is clear: we must dispose of plastic safely and help all life in the ocean,”

Conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall, DBE.

About The Creators

NICOLE MILLER is a mother of two, primary school teacher and author. After receiving a Bachelor of Teaching at Waikato University, she spent five years travelling and teaching in the United Arab Emirates. In 2017 Nicole become a solo mother to her two young children. It was during this challenging time that she began writing children's stories and songs as a creative outlet for healing and for enjoyment, but most of all, to entertain her children. In 2019 Nicole was finalised for the Joy Cowley Award for the manuscript, Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea.

LILY UIVEL is a freelance illustrator who lives in Wellington. She graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). Since then, she has worked across multiple creatives industries, including publishing, advertising, design and the film industry.

SOPHIA AND ANNA EGAN-REID (publishing duo and sisters) are the proud ‘parents’ of children’s imprint Little Love. Life-long readers, Sophia and Anna were born into the family publishing business Mary Egan Publishing, formerly Egan Reid Limited. Sophia is a publisher and project manager; Anna, an award-winning designer.

THE BOBBY STAFFORD BUSH FOUNDATION was formed in Auckland in 2013 as a ‘living inheritance’ and is a registered Charitable Trust. The Foundation aims to help, support and give opportunity to young people and community groups who likewise have a desire, a passion, or objective. The Foundation have generously funded the production of Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea, and are providing free copies to New Zealand Public Libraries and School Libraries in support of Plastic Free July 2021.

Celia Seagull perched on the cliff, eyeing up plastic and watching it drift.

Scanning for pieces to weave through her nest, she held her beak high and puffed out her chest.

Join Celia Seagull as she gathers plastic pieces from the ocean to build a bigger, better nest. With far too much on her plate, Celia refuses to help sea creatures who are tangled in the scrap. But when Celia runs into trouble, who will help her?

Reviews

“I just love your book - it is gorgeous! The message, the descriptive language, the rhyme...and the best part for me was the mermaid (I didn’t see that coming at all). The illustrations are exquisite, too.”

Lisa Elliot - Teacher at Bethlehem Primary

Reviews

“Loved the book - little bits of 'modern language', emotional, caring and soft!”

Anna Rutten – Owner at Kidiwise Preschool and Childcare.

Reviews

“The illustrations are stunning, vibrant and engaging. The story itself; a beautiful mash of friendship, kindness and a lesson on caring for our environment with a strong image of WHY, behind it. So clever - Loved it!”

Sarah Milne - Author

Reviews

”This beautifully illustrated book tells a story of hope as well as drawing children's attention to the plight of our ocean.”

Janice Marriott - Author

“An awesome, purposeful book with a powerful message that change is up to us - our future generations are counting on us.”

Ricardo Christie - New Zealand Surfer