Long before The Rubbish Rebellion became a children’s book series, it began quietly on the water.
What started as kayaking for fitness slowly became something much bigger. As I paddled through rivers and waterways, I began noticing more and more rubbish tangled along the banks, floating through mangroves, and collecting in places wildlife call home.
At first, I simply started picking up what I could.
One piece at a time.
A bottle here. Plastic there. Fishing line wrapped around branches. Items that many people may never notice, but which can have a devastating impact on birds, fish, turtles, and waterways.
The more time I spent cleaning up the water, the more I realised something important:
Small actions matter.
That idea eventually became the heart of The Rubbish Rebellion.
I wanted to create stories that gently encourage children to care for the world around them without fear or negativity. Instead of focusing only on problems, the books focus on kindness, courage, teamwork, and the idea that even one small act can create positive change.
Many of the characters were inspired by the wildlife and waterways I see while kayaking.
Otto the Otter reminds children that caring for waterways begins with simple actions.
Yapper the Unhappy Snapper explores how ocean litter affects underwater life.
The Forest Fairies teaches children to leave nothing behind except footprints.
Migeon the Pigeon Saves the City encourages communities to work together to protect the places they share.
Every story in The Rubbish Rebellion carries the same message:
you do not have to be perfect to make a difference.
You simply have to begin.
Today, kayaking remains an important part of my life. Once I am on the water, there is a sense of freedom, peace, and purpose that inspired these stories from the very beginning.
I hope The Rubbish Rebellion encourages children and families to look a little closer at the world around them, care for wildlife, and understand that even the smallest actions can create big change.
— Chez Rafter
