Uncle Marlow's Machine by Stuart French - Ethicool Kid's Books

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.

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.

• Recommended ages: for 0 - 10yrs old
• Author: Stuart French
• Illustrator: Alvin Mulyono
• Size: 11" x 8.5" landscape (27.5 x 21cm)
• Cover: heavy softcover (300GSM)
• Pages: medium inside pages (200GSM)

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?"

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

Most Ethicool Books are designed for ages 0 - 6 years old, but are frequently read by much older children, too.

All our stories average 500-750 words in length.

About the Company

Fall in love with reading

The home of planet earth's most gorgeous kids' picture books

We create sustainable, empowering books

Creating little leaders. Starting now.

With stories that will melt your heart

Happy tears welcome.

Looking for the same old kids' books? You won't find them here. We create extraordinary books for the next generation of readers and leaders.

Who is Ethicool and are they even cool?

A better world starts with better children's books

Hey world! We're Ethicool.

We create remarkable children's books about the world’s big issues, inspiring kids to create positive change.

Why the big issues? Well, because our little ones are ready. They get it. They're perceptive, intelligent and capable; they're ready to grow up and make the world a better place. They have the answers, the solutions, and the motivation to not only fulfill their own dreams, but to make our planet more equitable and sustainable.

And we have the stories to get them started.

Creating art, not just books

Creating a better world is an important mission, so we partner with the world's most talented authors and illustrators to create books that are not just meaningful, but truly BEAUTIFUL to read and stunning to look at.

The potential of little ones

Ethicool was founded in 2020 by Australian husband and wife team, Teigan Margetts and Stuart French.

When tucking their two young sons into bed every night, they would often invent stories about the world's big issues, with their little ones playing the starring role of saving the day.

They quickly realised that their children not only understood the issues, but wanted to do more about them.

Wanting to teach their sons more, Teigan and Stu turned to children's books. But, as they browsed through the hundreds of books they owned, they couldn't find a single one that inspired great change.

And so, Ethicool was born: a children's book company that helps little ones change the world.

Living our values: sustainable from start to finish

Creating books usually requires cutting down even more trees.

But not ours! Ethicool’s books are printed using recycled or sustainably-sourced papers, as well as soy-based inks.

Our books have been extensively tested for durability by the most unforgiving testers (toddlers!), so you won't be looking to throw them away after a few weeks' reading.

Giving back to the planet

Ethicool Books is immensely proud to be a partner of 1% for the Planet!

1% for the Planet members have given back more than $US265 million to the environment, simply by donating 1% of their revenue every single year, regardless of whether they've made a profit.

It's an incredibly simple model, but one of immense value - financially, environmentally, and culturally.

It means we're actively invested in living our beliefs and contributing to a cause that is passionate about solving the right problems, and on a global scale.