TRASH ACTION
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Mark Thurman
Tundra Books, 2006
I recently saw the documentary “Dolphins” at an IMAX theatre. It was breathtaking. After the movie, however, I had a disturbing discussion with my friend Luther (I’ve changed his name). It went something like this:
Me: That was breathtaking!
Luther: Yes, except for the heavy-handed environmental message.
Me: Are you kidding?
Luther: No.
Me: Luther, are you telling me that the three minutes of that hour-long documentary in which the commentator discussed the effects of plastic pollution on marine life felt “heavy-handed” to you?
Luther: Yes.
Me: Are you kidding?
Luther: Nope. I’m sick of hearing how humans are the worst thing to ever happen to this planet. It just isn’t true.
Me: Are you kidding? (I’m not very articulate when I get my dander up.)
The discussion went on, but I will spare you the details. It will suffice to say that Luther and I will never, ever, ever be on the same page in the book of environmentalism. The topic has officially been added to the list of things he and I should not discuss together (religion and politics are also on this list). But I like Luther, and I couldn’t help wishing he had been exposed to a book like TRASH ACTION as a kid. Perhaps he would have enjoyed “Dolphins” more.
TRASH ACTION, written by Ann Love and Jane Drake, is intended for children four to eight. In straightforward prose, the authors introduce kids to the concept of an ecological footprint and the idea that their actions affect the planet. Interspersed throughout the book are cartoons and stories which help readers to get a broad picture of the trash issue. From recycling to composting to NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) to litter in space, the authors bring an important topic to a young audience in a way they can understand … and then challenge them to act on what they have learned.
Realistically, this is a book that will work best in a classroom or small group setting, I think. But there are so many opportunities for it to be useful. As a parent, it armed me with information and stories I could use to help my own kids to understand not only why these issues are important to me, but how they can help me to do something proactive. As the author of a children’s book with an underlying environmental message, the book is one I will recommend to all my youngest readers. And I will recommend it, of course, to my friend Luther. Perhaps it is not too late for him…