cover image Can I Recycle This? A Kid’s Guide to Better Recycling and How to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Can I Recycle This? A Kid’s Guide to Better Recycling and How to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Jennie Romer, illus. by Christie Young. Viking, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-593-20407-8

Romer gets into the nitty-gritty of recycling with this kid-friendly picture book adaptation. Matter-of-fact text explains why recycling matters, describes the fascinating machines and technology that make it happen, and details specifics around what can and can’t be recycled. Set against plain white backdrops, Young’s animated mixed-media doodles keep things bright, visualizing trash that frequently speaks up via speech bubbles. “Yay! Recycle us,” say paper materials; “We wish we could be recycled, but we can’t,” comment a baby food pouch and some plastic cutlery. Romer further highlights the need for eco-friendly laws and policies, placing the responsibility for action not just on individuals but on companies. “Find out more” callouts, highlighted glossary terms, and supporting back matter amplify the work’s educational value. The overall result is an engaging springboard for environmental stewardship. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)