The Mess That We Made

By Michelle Lord, Julia Blattman (Illustrator)

Witness the ocean's plight and join the fight against pollution in a rhythmic journey of change.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 434 ratings

32 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

$18.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Four children in a small boat confront the vast ocean mess caused by plastic pollution. As they witness the harm to marine life, they realize the urgent need for change. With rhythmic storytelling and vivid illustrations, this tale highlights the growing environmental crisis and inspires action. Will they find a way to save the seas before it's too late? Discover the facts about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and learn how everyone can help turn the tide. Dive into this compelling story and be part of the solution to protect our oceans.

From the publisher

The Mess That We Made explores the environmental impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, and it inspires kids to do their part to combat pollution. Simple, rhythmic wording builds to a crescendo (“This is the mess that we made. These are the fish that swim in the mess that we made.”) and the vibrant digital artwork captures the disaster that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Children can imagine themselves as one of the four multi-ethnic occupants of the little boat surrounded by swirling plastic in the middle of the ocean, witnessing the cycle of destruction and the harm it causes to plants, animals, and humans. The first half of the book portrays the growing magnitude of the issue, and the second half rallies children and adults to make the necessary changes to save our oceans, before it is too late. Facts about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, ocean pollution, and how kids can help are included in the back matter.

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