Uncle Marlow's Machine
Henry heads off to his uncle's farm, leaving behind a pollution-choked city. His uncle is building something special, you see...
Uncle Marlow's Machine is the picture story book that the next generation needs, wants and deserves. It's high time we talked about climate change.
A kids' book that celebrates the wonderful things we can do to halt climate change.
Recommended ages: for 0 - 10yrs old
Author: Stuart French
Illustrator: Alvin Mulyono
What is this picture book about?
Join little Henry as he heads off on a journey to visit his wacky uncle at a farm far, far away. When Henry finally arrives, he discovers something incredible. Uncle Marlow’s been building a secret machine! But what is it? And why don’t the city people like it?
Infused with a touch of satire and a lot of goodwill, this is the story you need to be reading to your little ones to protect our climate future.
This beautiful book will be remembered in decades to come as the awakening we all needed.
Praise for Uncle Marlow's Machine
“Uncle Marlow’s Machine is honest and clear, its writing style attributing a sense of responsibility to the reader. The illustrations in this story make a real impact. Beautiful green fields contrast with smoky skies and dirty power plants, and this helps to demonstrate the story’s theme.” Shannon A. Jade
An excerpt from the story
He’s in his barn when he hears our truck rumble to a stop, and he quickly pulls the barn doors closed.
“We’ve come to see your machine!” I yell, pointing at the big red barn with both hands, as Uncle Marlow walks outside.
Dad sighs. “You weren’t supposed to say anything, Henry…”
“What are you talking about, Squirt?” asks Uncle Marlow, yanking on my cheeks.
“Does it fly, or jump in the sky?” I ask. “Or does it swim in the ocean with its long propeller?”
Customer Reviews
A great story to capture the imagination of little ones when it comes to solving the world’s wicked problems!
Uncle Marlow's Machine tackles the tricky subject of renewable energy, and allows children to imagine ways they can help make a difference by making informed decisions now and into the future. My girls and I enjoyed this book very much, and thank you for another special addition to our home library.
As a Geography teacher of secondary school students, most of my lessons focus on sustainability and provide practical ways to be more sustainable. Secondary students still love picture books and story time and these books are perfect. These books sit proudly in the classroom library where the students are able to read them multiple times. The "fast finishers" love the idea they can, in a matter of minutes, read a whole book and look at the beautiful illustrations, while I love the subtle message and support for diversity. The themes in these books support the messages I am teaching and is a wonderful way to reiterate and reinforce the core values of the classroom in a different form and medium.
Fabulous book
With coal pollution causing known damage to people’s health and acting as a key player in climate change, alternative energy solutions are a big topic! Uncle Marlow’s Machine is honest and clear, its writing style attributing a sense of responsibility to the reader. The illustrations in this story make a real impact. Beautiful green fields contrast with smoky skies and dirty power plants, and this helps to demonstrate the story’s theme.
what an amazing book. This book brings back so many different memories that are so special.
Thank you xo
Love how this book has managed to tie a complex topic into something fun for kids. Nicely done! I'll buy again
A very special story and we loved the illustrations. It's a shame your first allocation of books has sold out though. When are more coming?
Been looking for something like this for a while. My son loved the story! Only suggestion is that you provide more example of the story on your website. Thanks!
Frequently asked questions
Well, we used to, but now we only ship to Australia and New Zealand.
For all other countries, we have exclusive distributors who wholesale our books to retailers.
If you're in the USA, you'll find us in Barnes & Noble and Target.
Usually within two business days.
We publish our books in both formats. If it's hardcover, it will be noted clearly in the product description - otherwise, you can assume it's softcover.
Commonly newborns through to seven year-olds, but we like to think we're equally loved by very big kids, too!
That depends how good it is! Seriously, though, we're signing new authors all the time and you can learn more HERE.
Ethicool HQ is in Tasmania, Australia, but we have a large warehouse presence in Berkeley, USA, servicing the northern hemisphere.
When we have new release titles on the way (i.e. in the middle of being printed or shipped to our warehouses), we put them up for pre-order. It usually means they're a few weeks or months away from being delivered to customers.
