How to save the whole stinkin' planet by Lee Constable
Illus. by James Hart. Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760890261.
(Age: 7-11) Recommended. Themes: Recycling; Garbage; Waste
management. Written as an instruction manual for young
'Garbologists' or waste warriors, this is a light-hearted and
educational journey into the world of waste. The author encourages
young readers to consider how earth would benefit from a much wiser
approach to all things 'waste'. With short quizzes, small
eco-experiments and imagined journeys into stinking heaps of rubbish
or along recycling conveyor belts, this is a simple but effective
educational approach which utilises humour that would appeal to
young readers.
The cartoon style illustrations by James Hart are simple and
immediately reveal the comical approach to this significant topic.
The author Lee Constable is a Science Communicator and host of a
Children's television Science show and has effectively used the
language of 'disgusting stuff' that would appeal to kids (but in an
appropriate way). Poop, rot, fungi, bacteria all get discussed and
potential solutions to waste management that could be employed by
young people are unpacked in an easy-to-read format.
Recommended for eco-interested readers aged 7-11. Teacher's
notes are available.
Carolyn Hull