What happens when everything seems hopeless? When the world feels grey, and life tastes like nothing but “fish that tasted of stinky feet”? In Gilby, Matthew James Bolton offers a delightful answer that positivity, friendship, and courage can turn even the greyest island into a glowing paradise.
Gilby lives on a sad little island with Simon the Dinosaur and Eleanor the Seal. They are gloomy, always groaning or moaning, and stuck in a world where the food stinks and nothing changes. But then the fish disappear, and hunger starts to set in. While others despair, Gilby decides to act. And the first step he takes, deciding not to give up, marks the start of an incredible transformation.
When Gilby sets out on his handmade raft, he’s not sure what he’ll find. But his hope carries him through, even when a sea monster tries to eat him. Instead of getting scared or angry, Gilby ends up being catapulted through the sky and landing on an island bursting with possibility. It’s a magical place full of colour, talking creatures, and delicious fruit. And for the first time, Gilby tastes something sweet.
Positivity doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine when it’s not. In Gilby’s case, things really were tough — hunger, sadness, even danger. But what the story shows us is that keeping a hopeful attitude, being kind, and being open to change can lead to unexpected solutions.
Children reading Gilby learn that staying cheerful, even when things go wrong, can help shift the mood not just for themselves but for everyone around them. Gilby’s kindness and courage influence others. When he returns home with fruit and a sack of magic, it’s not just his friends’ hunger that disappears. Instead, it transformed their whole world. The island becomes colorful, the sky turns blue, and the smell of stinky feet vanishes forever.
The transformation of the island is a beautiful metaphor for how a positive mindset can change reality. For example, when we start believing in better, we start seeing better. For children, this lesson can be applied to school challenges, friendships, and emotional struggles. When they learn that things can improve, even after a “crash landing,” they gain resilience and hope.
Simon the Dinosaur and Eleanor the Seal also teach us that moods can change. At the start of the book, they are gloomy, sad, and full of complaints. But when Gilby returns, their faces light up, they clap, they smile, and they even learn to be thankful. Positivity is contagious, and Gilby spreads it through his actions, not just his words.
In a world where negativity can sometimes feel overwhelming, Gilby is a joyful reminder that good things can happen when you stay hopeful. For children learning to navigate ups and downs, this story can be a powerful guide to help them be more positive and grateful.
So, if your child needs a little inspiration to believe in better days, let them spend time with Gilby. They’ll learn that even when you live on a grey island with smelly fish, a little hope, a little courage, and a whole lot of kindness can create magic.
Let Gilby show them how positivity can transform lives. Here is a link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/170407648X.
