Recycling Day

K-Gr 3—A fly, a worm, a grasshopper, and a family of ants live happily in a sunny vacant lot until the volume of trash reaches critical mass and a gang of rats takes over. Eventually, volunteers organize a recycling day to transform the rubbish-choked lot into a community garden. As neighbors sort plastic, glass, paper, and metal, readers learn how each material can be recycled. Text boxes include diagrams that explain the processes. Other boxes offer facts about waste and suggestions to reduce consumption. Smaller signs contain safety warnings such as the need to wear protective gloves. At the end of the day, the rats head to the dump with the trash that cannot be recycled. Miller's cheerful cartoon illustrations reinforce the text's positive and encouraging tone. Additional suggestions for recycling and reducing waste are appended. Although this tale might set up unrealistic expectations for quick success, it could motivate children to start conservation efforts themselves. Younger listeners can concentrate on the basic story, while older readers may glean additional information from the "going green" text boxes.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato