Captain Green and the Plastic Scene

February 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-After graduating from superhero school, Captain Green sets his sights on cleaning up the ocean. He helps several sea animals, like a dolphin that's caught in some netting and a bird that mistakenly ate plastic thinking it was food. After several rescues, Captain Green realizes that he can't make a difference until he educates everyone at the beach about the dangers of plastics and the importance of the "Three R's: " Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The beachgoers are eager to help out and everyone is happy that their beach is clear and clean again. The message is straightforward and needed, but an author's note showing photos of clean-up efforts, lists of helpful websites, or just information about what kids can do in their own communities to help would have really added some power. Illustrations give a whimsical, Quentin Blake-like style to the piece. Deeptown gets the point across and shows animals in distress while surrounded by garbage, but the cartoon character design makes the piece relatable and positive. VERDICT A strong addition on the importance of recycling.-Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.