‘Earth Friend Forever’ teaches youngsters about plastic

 

Earth Friend Forever

Written by Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez, and Sanden Totten

Illustrated by Mike Orodán

Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, Inc., 2022

‘Earth Friend Forever’ teaches children about how plastic hurts the environment. But it does this in a fun, amusing way. Earth is a character writing a friendly letter to children.

The story begins, “Dear little humans living on me: It’s your E.F.F. (Earth Friend Forever)!”

Earth begins by talking about how Earth is a good friend to children, making waves for them to surf on, growing fruits and vegetables for them to eat, and making fresh air for them to breathe. Earth smiles in these pictures.

But then Earth says, “There’s something we need to talk about. You’re covering me with plastic!”

Earth goes on to explain how plastic is showing up in the ocean, in forests, on mountains, and in deserts. And it doesn’t go away. Bacteria can’t break it down like it does other materials.

“So the plastic piles just grow and grow,” Earth says. “I’m worried that one day I’ll be nothing but plastic.”

Then Earth says humans will not let that happen. Earth tells children some things they can do. Recycle plastic. Replace plastic things with things made of cloth, glass, or metal. Reuse plastic things. Throw away plastic garbage.

One day children may become scientists who invent new ways to recycle and break down plastic, Earth says.

The story ends with Earth writing, “Well, little humans, I’m glad we had this talk.”

In the back of the book, there is more information. Children learn what plastic is, how it is made, fun facts, and scientific solutions in the works.

This book presents quite a bit of information in a kid-friendly way. It will help youngsters become more environmentally aware.

About the Author

Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten are the creators of American Public Media’s “Brain’s On!” and the authors of “It’s Alive” and “Road Trip Earth.” They became friends while working at Minnesota Public Radio and decided to make a show for children. Visit them at brainson.org, follow them on Twitter@Brains_On, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Illustrator

Mike Orodán is the author-illustrator of the Peek-aBaby series, and illustrator of “Crossings” by Katy S. Duffield. He lives in Surrey, England. Visit him on Istagram @thebundad.