An Earth-Bot's Solution to Plastic Pollution by Russell Ayto
Published by Kids Can Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1525305387
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This quirky picture book provides young listeners a visual of how plastic is taking over our oceans and ways to decrease plastic use by reduce, reuse and recycle.  Neo lives by the ocean and Neo’s messy room emulates the plastic problems in the ocean.  They both need to be cleaned up.  When Grandpa gives Neo three specific chores to clean his room, he ignores those in favor of playing his video game Space Cabbages.  A seal, penguin and a turtle help Neo get outside and see the problem and the condition of his room in a new way.  All ocean water illustrations contain a patterned grid representing plastic bottles and all characters, including Neo and Grandpa, wear spacesuit gear which provides some humor to the story, along with the cabbages.  The color palette is dark blue hues making some of the text difficult to read.  Ayto gives a short explanation in the back on how everyone can help the planet.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library