Too Much Trash: How Litter Is Hurting Animals, written by Joan Marie Galat. Orca, 2023. $21.95 ages 9 and up

 

"If you're like me, discovering how trash harms 
animals can make you feel frustrated, but there is 
good news. As you'll see, we can find better ways 
to prevent the mess by examining why people 
leave garbage behind. We can uncover the most 
effective ways to clean up by looking at what 
happens to trash after it falls from a person's 
hand."

Appeal to a child's sense of right and wrong when it comes to animals and you are likely to get some action in combatting whatever it is that is affecting them. Tell them that litter is hurting animals, and they will appreciate knowing ways to make things better. 

In this book, Joan Marie Galat uses clear and convincing text to show how litter is created and what it does to our environment, and to animals and their habitats. When animals come in contact with the many forms of litter found where they live, they can be injured, face disease, even be poisoned by it. Cleaning it up, as too many know, can be very expensive. With climate change, its effects are more pronounced. 

In the first three chapters, the focus is on the problems that litter creates: why it is troublesome, where it comes from, and what happens when it is found in the wild. Throughout the reading, the author concentrates on solutions to those problems, providing readers with engaging ideas, and making them aware of the steps they can take to help alleviate the challenges to animals.

Ms. Galat also shines a light on young people who are making a difference, and what they are doing to encourage others. As is true of all books in the Orca Footprints series, sidebars add information pertinent to the learning, vivid captioned photos add context, fact boxes, charts, lists, and 'true or false' questions invite careful thought and conversation. The design is perfect for the target audience, offering just enough information to keep them attending to text, and providing answers to certain questions they may have.

Back matter includes acknowledgements, a list of print and online resources, an extensive glossary, and a helpful index.  

Imagine the changes we could make working together to ensure that animals are protected, while also protecting the natural wonder of the planet we call home. This book provides an excellent start toward accomplishing that goal.