Roger the Wrasse and the Itchie Fishies - Dr Sue Pillans Aka Dr Suzie Starfish

This story draws attention to the importance of biodiversity on the reef and illustrates the special roles and relationships animals have under the sea. Told through the eyes of Roger the wrasse, a small and brightly coloured reef fish who is in charge of a cleaning station on the reef. Roger’s bright colours are almost like a neon sign advertising his ‘cleaning services’ to other sea creatures on the reef. This is the actual action used by cleaner fish to remove dead skin, parasites and bacteria from the bodies of their ‘clients’. This is a very special relationship as the cleaner fish provide a cleaning service to their ‘clients’ and in return, the cleaners get a full stomach. This is a great example of mutualism in nature where two organisms of different species are in a relationship where both benefit.Through the art of marine science this story will help children to become aware of the importance of biodiversity on the reef. This real-life nature story also illustrates the benefits of helping each other, an important concept to share with young readers. Education and awareness through storytelling is a powerful way of engaging with children and their readers (eg. teachers, parents, grandparents, family, friends etc) as only through positive storytelling can we hope to change behaviours and encourage children to look after each other and look after and protect the ocean. Based on the latest marine science the last page of the story explains reef cleaning stations and the concept of mutualism in nature which is explained in terms early readers can understand and teachers can use as part of their classroom discussions and learning activities.Â