rozesntea's review against another edition
5.0
The illustrations that showcase who, what, where, and when pollution affects our Earth really engaged the scholars. This was a highly requested book in our class!
lagobond's review against another edition
4.0
A gorgeously illustrated book, with a vital message, that needs to be in every child's hands. There's not enough emphasis here on reducing consumerism, which really is the only thing that will make any kind of difference. We cannot recycle our way out of the mess that we made. Beach clean-ups and parks built on landfills cannot solve our problems. Nevertheless, this book is a good starting point to get kids to think about what humanity is doing to our planet, and that we cannot continue this way.
The book is divided into the main "story," which is told in an engaging and touching way; and a follow-up section, which adds information to the themes introduced in the first part. There's a bit of a disconnect between the story, which is appropriate for children from a fairly young age; and the end part, which really is directed at teenagers or adults. Younger kids will need a conversation with an adult to help them understand some of the facts and what they can do to help.
Very close to 5 stars, but not quite.
The book is divided into the main "story," which is told in an engaging and touching way; and a follow-up section, which adds information to the themes introduced in the first part. There's a bit of a disconnect between the story, which is appropriate for children from a fairly young age; and the end part, which really is directed at teenagers or adults. Younger kids will need a conversation with an adult to help them understand some of the facts and what they can do to help.
Very close to 5 stars, but not quite.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Written in a "The house that Jack built" format, there are direct causes and effects that young readers can see that are making big problems for our oceans. The story shows ways to reverse the things that are being done, and how it will help the environment and the ocean. The backmatter goes back to individual pages and talks in more detail about ways we can help.
The real power of this book is in the illustrations. So much to notice that will get kids really wanting to help out!
The real power of this book is in the illustrations. So much to notice that will get kids really wanting to help out!
shaniquekee's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so first of all, the illustrations in this book are beautiful. The story is about reducing ocean pollution told in the style of "the old woman who swallowed a fly".
traci_vw's review against another edition
5.0
This is a dramatic and intense story with a build up leading to inevitable disaster. However, Michelle and Julia deftly show us the mess and then provide a happy resolution showing that we can make a difference. They provide specific ways for us to clean up and recycle to help save our planet. We must all clean up the mess that we have made. This book is a must for every human inhabiting this world. Now it’s time to go recycle some of my own mess.
lehmanemma's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.25
The Mess That We Made was written by Michelle Lord and Julia Blattman. This picture book was originally published on January 1st, 2020. This book was written in a lyrical and rhythmic format that builds upon itself as the story goes on. It follows and describes the pollution in the ocean from a fish to humans. The illustrations are beautiful and intelligently combine with the text to persuade readers to do something. This book would be appropriate for kids ages 4 and up. It could be used in the classroom to jumpstart a conversation about pollution or environmental impact. I didn't find anything problematic. It is a powerful book that even includes practical tips on how to reduce waste. It also includes research that shows the negative impact plastic is having on ocean life. It also includes a map that shows where the garbage patches are located. I thought that was very useful and a great addition. Overall, this is a short but moving read that many students would love. <responsibility> <polluiton> <environmental impact>
vanessaagnelli's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreaking and hopeful — a new favourite!
I was walking along, minding my own business, when this stunning cover caught my eye... So I made all my work friends look at it, read it as soon as I could, and I am very happy to share that it did not disappoint!
The Mess That We Made educates growing humans on how we have hurt—and, ultimately, can save—our planet. Really, everyone should read this! The rhyming narrative and vibrant visuals work together beautifully and should captivate even the littlest ones. For those especially moved and curious, they can find further information and resources at the back.
Thank you, Michelle Lord, for writing a book that both informs and empowers — I hope The Mess That We Made finds its way into many little hands because I believe it has the power to inspire and make a true impact. A brighter, greener future awaits!!
I was walking along, minding my own business, when this stunning cover caught my eye... So I made all my work friends look at it, read it as soon as I could, and I am very happy to share that it did not disappoint!
The Mess That We Made educates growing humans on how we have hurt—and, ultimately, can save—our planet. Really, everyone should read this! The rhyming narrative and vibrant visuals work together beautifully and should captivate even the littlest ones. For those especially moved and curious, they can find further information and resources at the back.
Thank you, Michelle Lord, for writing a book that both informs and empowers — I hope The Mess That We Made finds its way into many little hands because I believe it has the power to inspire and make a true impact. A brighter, greener future awaits!!
engpunk77's review against another edition
5.0
WOW. I'm ordering this picture book for our elementary, ms, and hs picture book collections, and I'm personally buying one for home. The haunting and stunning illustrations accompany the classic "This is the house that Jack built" structure that takes the reader under the surface of the ocean to see "the mess that we made," and I was aching and crying. Lord shows children that our waste goes to landfills that spill its contents into the water and the chain reaction of misery that ensues, but in an age-appropriate way for children who probably will not cry to the extent that I did. Then, Lord uses the same rhyme and structure to turn the narrative around to the "ocean that WE save." She transforms this devastating book into one about hope and empowerment, and I am IN LOVE. Can I please make every child read this? Can I please, please, please put this in every classroom, every park bench, every boardwalk wall, every camp rec room? Of all of the books about the The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and landfills, recycling, and planet preservation that I've read geared toward our youth, this is the most powerful.
The appendix info at the back is perfect, concise nonfiction factual info about the issues brought forth in the book. I recommend this to EVERY one, every library, and every elementary school classroom and every ELA class in every middle school and high school nation/world wide.
The appendix info at the back is perfect, concise nonfiction factual info about the issues brought forth in the book. I recommend this to EVERY one, every library, and every elementary school classroom and every ELA class in every middle school and high school nation/world wide.
barberchicago_1129's review against another edition
5.0
Rhythmic, lyrical, beautiful illustrations, and really informative backmatter. Great for intro to environmental justice work from a global perspective.