Let's Reuse!: (Caring for the Earth)

Text and photographs describe easy ways to reuse items and why it is important to do so.

Review :
Here's another social studies series for the youngest learners--this one, called "Caring for the Earth," intends to introduce early readers to the concepts of conservation and recycling. Each slim, square book starts with a statement of the problem and then offers two short chapters with ideas that kids can use to help solve it. With simple sentences on the right-hand pages and a large-scale color photo on the left, this title explains that garbage we throw away daily is quickly filling up our landfills. As Beth and Max demonstrate ways to reuse items like plastic tubs, yogurt cups, and milk cartons, students are challenged to think of creative ways to transform paper bags and plastic containers. Kim's family chooses a good-quality backpack she can use for a long time; Maria passes on outgrown toys to others. Final advice to readers: "Reusing items makes less garbage. Less garbage keeps the Earth healthy." While the color photos are cheerily bright and attempt to draw in viewers by using children as models, the brief text makes rather obvious suggestions (some depending on the cooperation or decisions of parents) that many teachers already incorporate in their lessons. Still, building values begins with creating awareness--these small books can be used as introductions to units or as starters for discussion; they could also form a classroom library for kids to read on their own. Included for more advanced readers are a glossary, a short bibliography, a Facthound code for Web sites (very limited), and an index.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database" What can elementary students do with that margarine tub or milk carton instead of throwing it in the trash? This book uses simple language and colorful pictures to introduce students to ways to reduce the amount of garbage they produce. Ways to use products more than once and to purchase and use products that can be used multiple times are included in this book. If you are going to be introducing waste disposal and recycling, this book provides a great starting point. It could also be used to support a unit on recycling. In the Caring for the Earth series, good pictures support the text and are balanced in gender and race. In addition, several other features enhance the book---there is a glossary that includes important words, an index allows readers to practice primary research skills, and there is a link to screened websites related to the book and a bibliography of other books. The controlled vocabulary found in this series makes these books great to use in small groups in first or second grade. They provide an ideal entry into the world of informational text for young students. The characters are shown taking action to help solve the problem that has been identified. They show children taking positive action, which is a powerful message for children at this age.-- "NSTA Recommends"