Plastic-Free July: Children’s Books Celebrating Environmentalism

By Arianna Yau, Ellie May and Naomi Harrison

Plastic-free July is a movement that aims to encourage people across the world to take on a more environmentalist approach to their lifestyle. They are encouraged to cut down on their plastic waste to reduce pollution to the environment. The goal is to keep streets and oceans cleaner by inspiring others to make changes to their everyday lives, such as refusing to use single-use plastics. The first Plastic-Free July occurred in 2011 in Australia, founded by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and supported by the Western Australian Government. Since then, millions of people have participated in avoiding or using less plastic throughout July and even continue these habits far beyond the month’s end.

Here at The Publishing Post, we have compiled a list of children’s books covering environmental topics, with the aim of helping the younger generation understand the value of a clean environment.

Somebody Swallowed Stanley, written by Sarah Roberts and illustrated by Hannah Peck

This colourful picture book introduces children to the issues of plastic pollution and its harm to sea life. It tells the story of a plastic bag that is discarded in the sea and constantly mistaken as food by the ocean creatures. The ethos of the book discourages young readers from littering and inspires them to protect the ocean and its creatures. 

The Mess That We Made, written by Michelle Lord and illustrated by Julia Blattman 

This vibrantly illustrated book details the extent of the impact plastic pollution is having on the ocean and marine life. The true mastery of this book lies within the ability to take a topic that can be so complex and upsetting, and explain it in a way children can really understand, without hiding the truth from them. The book teaches children that they can make an impact on the effects of plastic pollution on the world. This incites genuine interest in the topic and encourages children to ask important questions.  

One Plastic Bag, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon 

One Plastic Bag is an incredible true story that will inspire children everywhere. 

In Njau, Gambia, plastic bags are carelessly discarded after use, leading to detrimental impacts on the landscape and livestock. Isatou Ceesay wanted to make a change, so she collected the discarded bags and recycled them into purses. Not only does this clean up the environment, but it also creates work for the women in her community who are struggling to make ends meet. 

This is a powerful, moving story that is perfect for inspiring children’s participation in creating a greener environment. The topic of plastic pollution can be a sensitive one, especially when people feel that nothing they do will have much of an impact. This book expertly demonstrates that this is not true, and even one person making a small change is progress. Paul also touches upon the themes of determination and resilience in the face of ridicule; vital in a crisis where children may not be empowered to make a change.  

Clean Up!, written by Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola

This book aims to teach children about the dangers of plastic pollution, while demonstrating that even a “small” act such as cleaning a beach can make a big difference. 

The story follows Rocket as she travels to a Caribbean island to visit her grandparents. There she discovers a baby turtle who has been tangled in plastic and washed up on the beach. She also learns that the whales have not visited the island in some time. This book is an empowering way to teach children that they can make an impact and even start conversations around reducing their and their family’s plastic use.