An Earth-Bot’s Solution to Plastic Pollution
on Goodreads (45)
What’s inside...
Neo lives next to the ocean, where there's a big plastic pollution problem. But Neo doesn't notice. He's too busy playing video games. One day, though, Neo's sea creature neighbours keep interrupting, pleading with him to help clean up the plastic that's ruining their home. Finally, to get them to go away, Neo agrees to check it out. He suddenly realises the scope of the problem outside his door - one that's too big for him to handle on his own! With a refreshing approach to the timely topic of pollution, here's a picture book that manages to be offbeat and loads of fun without making light of the issue. In his signature quirky style, Russell Ayto takes on plastic pollution with this story about a video game–loving boy named Neo and some unexpected aquatic visitors who need his help. Neo lives next to the ocean, where there’s a big plastic pollution problem. But Neo doesn’t notice. He’s too busy playing his favorite video game, joining forces with all the other Earth-bots to defend the planet against invading aliens. One day, though, Neo’s sea creature neighbors keep interrupting his game, as one after another comes to his door, pleading with him to help them clean up the plastic that’s ruining their home. Finally, to get them to go away, Neo agrees to check it out. And the plastic mess he sees in the ocean shocks him. He suddenly realizes there’s an actual invasion taking place right outside his door — one that’s too big for him to handle on his own! With a refreshing approach to the timely topic of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, here’s a readable picture book that manages to be offbeat and loads of fun without making light of the issue. Award-winning author-illustrator Russell Ayto’s one-of-a-kind storytelling and hilarious illustrations will keep the pages turning, leading readers to concrete suggestions for how they can help. With its important environmental message and positive themes of teamwork, responsibility and stewardship, this book offers excellent connections to life science, earth science and social science curriculums.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways the Earth-Bot tried to solve the problem of plastic pollution?
How do you think the Earth felt about all the plastic pollution?
If you were an Earth-Bot, what would you invent to help clean up our planet?
Why is it important to reduce plastic waste, and how can we help every day?
How did the story change your thoughts about using plastic items?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about pollution and recycling. This can provide a good baseline and make connections to the content.
Use emotive questions to understand your child's feelings towards pollution, such as how they feel when they see litter in parks.
After reading, encourage your child to think of one actionable step they can take or one plastic item they can reduce using in their daily lives.
Link the story to real-world examples of plastic pollution to make the theme more relatable and impactful.
Post-reading, consider watching a short documentary or video about recycling processes or ocean clean-ups to visually complement the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: Through the character of Earth-Bot, the book illustrates the importance of taking care of our planet by managing waste and reducing plastic pollution.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in recycling activities at home and school, and by being mindful of using reusable containers and bags to reduce plastic waste.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Earth-Bot creatively finds a solution to the problem of plastic pollution, showing how innovation and thinking outside the box are vital.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving skills in everyday challenges, whether it's figuring out how to fix a broken toy or coming up with ways to organize their rooms efficiently.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book shows Earth-Bot collaborating with others to tackle the issue of plastic waste, highlighting the power of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with siblings, friends, and classmates in group projects or during playtime to achieve shared objectives, mirroring Earth-Bot’s teamwork.
Example Lesson: Importance of Science and Technology
Explanation: The story emphasizes how technological advancements, represented by Earth-Bot, can contribute significantly to environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to learn more about science and technology, understanding its impact on real-world issues and possibly steering them towards STEM education.