HAPSIE reaches 10,000 young readers and over 100 UK schools

Clean Planet Foundation’s environmental comic, HAPSIE, has reached a new milestone: 10,000 young readers, with the comic now also circulating in more than 100 schools across the UK.

Launched in 2021, HAPSIE combines comic adventures, humour and practical activities to encourage children to explore the world around them. Its aim is to amuse, amaze and educate, making subjects such as plastic waste, climate change and caring for nature accessible through stories children can enjoy.

At the heart of HAPSIE is a colourful cast of characters, each bringing a different perspective to environmental discovery. Adah Action encourages readers to take on practical challenges, Upcycle Michael finds imaginative uses for everyday objects, and Ellie Ment brings science into the adventure. Together, the HAPSIE crew invites children to ask questions, get creative and discover ways to make a difference.

Behind those adventures is a team of writers and artists from the UK and around the world. HAPSIE’s comics feature original illustrations created by artists, (with no AI-generated artwork used in the comic work!).

The Origin of Ellie Ment

HAPSIE is also the original home of Ellie Ment, whose character inspired the multi-award-winning novel series blending science, environmental themes and adventure. The series has received honours at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs). Jennifer Saunders brings Ellie’s world to life as narrator of the first audiobook, Ellie Ment and the Material Matter, while Vicky Holmes, co-creator of the internationally successful Warrior Cats series, has joined as developmental and copy editor. It is a journey from short comic adventures to full-length novels, with curiosity at its heart.

Education with Educators

Circulation in more than 100 UK schools brings HAPSIE into shared reading spaces, where a single comic can open up conversations about everything from litter and wildlife to reusing materials. The mix of storytelling and activities gives teachers, librarians and families opportunities to connect reading with curiosity about the environment.

There is plenty to discover beyond the latest issue, too. HAPSIE’s online archive now offers more than 400 stories to read for free, alongside seven published hardback HAPSIE Hodgepodge collections. Its monthly printed comic, launched in May 2023, brings together 48 pages of stories, games and activities in each edition.

For Clean Planet Foundation, reaching 10,000 young readers celebrates the role storytelling can play in environmental education: sharing ideas, encouraging discovery and putting care for the planet into everyday adventures.

Discover the HAPSIE crew, read free stories or explore print subscriptions at hapsie.com.