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Review & Blog Tour: A Planet Full of Plastic

This is an information-based picture book that draws attention to just how many everyday objects are made of plastic. From plastic straws and food wrapping to ketchup bottles and cat toys, there is no denying that plastic is all around us. The book walks through the history of plastic production and introduces the problem with materials that are not biodegradable. What’s more, through photographs, illustrations and child-friendly diagrams, the author explains that much of the plastic ends up in the ocean in enormous garbage patches (the most famous of which is currently three times the size of France!).Despite being clearly uncompromising on the facts and clear about the consequences for wild life, this is actually a picture book full of hope…

BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations

 
 

Book Title: A Planet Full of Plastic (available here)

Author/Illustrator: Neal Layton

Publisher: Wren & Rook

Publication Date: June 2019

Most Suitable for: KS1 & KS2

This is an information-based picture book that draws attention to just how many everyday objects are made of plastic. From plastic straws and food wrapping to ketchup bottles and cat toys, there is no denying that plastic is all around us.

The book walks through the history of plastic production and introduces the problem with materials that are not biodegradable. What’s more, through photographs, illustrations and child-friendly diagrams, the author explains that much of the plastic ends up in the ocean in enormous garbage patches (the most famous of which is currently three times the size of France!).

Despite being clearly uncompromising on the facts and clear about the consequences for wild life, this is actually a picture book full of hope. The final section of the book explains how scientists are working on some of the enormous problems caused by plastic pollution and how, as individuals, we can all play a part in helping to reduce the plastic problem our planet faces. ‘It’s a big job,’ says a smiley Planet Earth towards the end of the book, ‘but I reckon we can do it.’

A timely book on an important topic, this is essential reading for children in primary schools (and for adults too!).

 

You can order A Planet Full of Plastic online or from your local bookshop or library.

This book also features on our new Plastic Pollution booklist.

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5 Children’s Books on the theme of ‘Repair’

As part of the blog tour, the publishers at Wren & Rook invited us to share ideas on the blog themed around the word ‘Repair’.

I’ve picked out 5 children’s books that demonstrate what it means to repair things and why this is important.

 
 

1. Wendel and the Robots (available here)

Chris Riddell

Originally published as Wendel’s Workshop, this is a story about an inventor mouse called Wendel who frantically invents all sorts of things but is quick to throw them down the rubbish chute when they go wrong. When Wendel throws out his tidy-up robot Clunk after a slight malfunction, he gets more than he bargained for.

2. Pandora (available here)

Victoria Turnbull

Pandora lives alone, in a world of broken things. No one ever comes to visit, so she spends her time gathering and mending what she can. But when a bird falls from the sky, slowly her world begins to change. A story of repair and regeneration with stunning, misty artwork framed with sadness but filled with hope as from the debris through love and care the world is transformed.

Also features on: Environmental Sustainability booklist

3. Runaway Robot (available here)

Frank Cottrell-Boyce & Steven Lenton

This story is set in a world not dissimilar to our own, but in a time where robots have replaced people for simple everyday tasks. This is a tale of humour, humanity and two friends trying to get to the truth. Alfie meets a 6’6”, one-legged, humanoid robot called Eric and a joyful friendship emerges as Alfie works to repair Eric and come to terms with some important truths about his own life too.

Also features on: Reading for Pleasure Blog

4. The Polka Dot Dress Shop (available here)

Laurel Remington

One day, 13-year-old Andy finds a bag of high-quality designer clothes and suddenly begins to see a renewed potential in her mum’s struggling pre-used fashion business. Can she repair the old clothes and transform the boutique into something fresh and appealing?

Also features on: July 2018 Books of the Month

5. Rosie Revere, Engineer (available here)

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts The story of a girl called Rosie who has a passion for inventing and a dream of becoming a famous engineer. When one of her inventions crashes to the ground, Rosie must choose between giving up on her dreams or listening to her Great-Great-Aunt’s wise advice about repairing broken things and embracing mistakes positively to create something new.

Also features on: Growth Mindset Booklist

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You can order A Planet Full of Plastic online or from your local bookshop or library.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book. Check out the other stops on the blog tour, too!

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