REVIEW: IT’S WORLD OCEAN DAY!

We humans use A LOT of plastic, and, unfortunately, much of that plastic ends up in our oceans. Artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi decided to do something about it. She formed the organization Washed Ashore and began creating wildlife sculptures out of the trash that washed up on beaches. This picture book highlights her art as well as educates the reader about how plastic harms wildlife creatures:

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TITLE: WASHED ASHORE: MAKING ART FROM OCEAN PLASTIC

AUTHOR/PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Crull

PUBLISHER: Millbrook Press/2022

​OPENING LINES: 
 
The ocean is home to all kinds of wonderful creatures. Slimy sea slugs. Prickly puffer fish. Glittery grunions. Flashlight fish that glow in the dark. Octopuses that change color if they get scared or grumpy. Dolphins that play tag. Whales that sing so loud they’ll rattle your bones.  

This picture book is chock-full! 
First, the art—beautiful photographs by Kelly Crull of amazing sculptures by Angela Haseltine Pozzi. And no ordinary sculptures, but ones made of plastic trash that are full of life and color and personality. 
Second, the story-behind-the-story—learn how Pozzi became inspired to create her sculptures and create an organization to spread the word about water pollution and what we can do to make a change. 
Third, animal facts—Crull showcases 14 sculptures of different ocean animals and shares fascinating facts about each (Did you know that tufted puffins can hold ten or more fish in their mouths at once?) and how ocean trash is endangering their lives and homes (sea turtles and other animals often eat plastic bags because they mistake them for sea jellies. So sad). 
Fourth, environmental-friendly tips—each spread includes a tip on how humans can reduce plastic use (my favorite was to choose an ice cream cone instead of in a plastic cup with a plastic spoon. Any tip that involves ice cream is okay in my book!). 
Last, but not least, seek-and-find—each spread challenges the reader to look for objects hidden in each sculpture. 
Bonus—if you buy a copy of this book, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Washed Ashore. How cool is that?
I told you, chock full! If you love art, sea creatures, ocean life, and want to protect earth’s oceans, then this book is for you! 
 
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