Join the No-Plastic Challenge!

August 30, 2019

K-Gr 2-Nick is celebrating his birthday with a picnic on the island. He has been learning about plastic pollution and decides to challenge his friends to go all day without single-use plastics. From shopping for the party to playing in the sand, the five friends learn what plastic is made of, how it gets into our food chain, and so much more. In this seventh book in the "Exploring Our Community" series, Ritchie explains recycling in kid-friendly language while demonstrating that any effort will help our Earth become cleaner. On each double-page spread, the story and illustrations provide concrete examples of what the author is trying to convey while bold-typed explanations help readers understand the vocabulary and suggest actions that they can take in their own lives. The digitally rendered illustrations are bright and colorful, with maps and labels to assist emerging readers. End matter includes a glossary. VERDICT This story leaves readers with hope that plastic pollution is being addressed by manufacturers and encourages everyone to take the "No-Plastic Challenge!" An excellent introduction to reducing waste for young readers.-Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2019
Nick and his friends demonstrate that even young children can reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Four friends, a dog, and a cat join Nick to celebrate his birthday with a single-use-plastics-free picnic. Spread by spread, Ritchie introduces the ubiquity of plastics in our world, the availability of alternatives to single-use plastics, the problem of plastic waste in waterways and ocean gyres, and how it harms animals--and the people who eat them. On the ferry to the island where they will picnic, the children notice trash in the water, the lack of recycling bins, and the sale of drinks with straws (text reminds readers that some people with disabilities need straws). One spread offers a step-by-step diagram of plastic manufacture; another suggests ways to avoid plastics. Finally, the five partygoers help with a beach cleanup (wearing gloves). Engaging digital artwork may remind readers of the ink-and-watercolor illustrations of Bob Graham. There are even occasional shifts in perspective. Like his ponytailed mother, Nick is white; he wears glasses; his friends have names and appearances of varying ethnicities. Another ferry passenger is using a wheelchair. A simple, two-level text tells the story of their day, with further explanations from the author in a different type. At a time of heightened awareness of plastic pollution in the ocean, adults will welcome this introduction. Sweetly packaged, simple steps we all can take. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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October 28, 2019
In this primer on minimizing waste, birthday boy Nick challenges his friends to go a full day without single-use plastics, which “make up about half of the plastic we use every day.” Readers are invited to participate in this Earth-friendly quest, and the text elucidates how to be aware of plastics; stock up on reusable materials such as bags, cutlery, and bottles; and pick up litter, among other environmentally conscious efforts. In accessible language, Ritchie delineates the problems caused by plastic production and what scientists know about its effects. A postscript includes a glossary of pertinent terms, such as biodegradable and microplastics
. Ritchie’s comiclike artwork complements the upbeat narrative, employing a loose, free line and a light wash of colors to depict characters consciously setting a plastic-free routine. A light-handed yet substantial guide to mindful resource usage. Ages 4–7.

August 1, 2019
Grades K-2 On Nick's birthday, his mother takes him and his four best friends to an island for a picnic. Nick, who is learning about plastic pollution, challenges the partygoers to avoid single-use plastics for the day. He explains the origins of plastic, the environmental problems it has created, and ways of making things better. During their ferry ride, they notice plastic trash floating in the water, a hazard for sea creatures. In the snack bar, Sally asks to have her water bottle refilled, rather than using a plastic cup and straw. To the familiar reduce, reuse, recycle slogan, Ritchie adds: refuse, as in Say no thank you if you are offered single-use plastics. Like other books in the Exploring Our Community series, this volume has a message, yet it manages to be fun as well as purposeful. The colorful, playful look of the line-and-wash digital illustrations works well with the book's easygoing yet informative tone. As Nick raises awareness among his friends, Ritchie invites his audience to think about the lasting environmental effects of day-to-day choices.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)