I’m Trying to Love Garbage

Gr 1-3–Young readers who are eager environmentalists will appreciate the information this book offers about nature’s garbage collectors (scavengers, detritivores, and decomposers); the differences between organic and inorganic waste; and efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle items. This information is presented by “the voice of your friendly neighborhood narrator,” with lots of colorful illustrations, speech bubbles with messages from some of nature’s garbage collectors, flow diagrams, and a dose of humor. It is an appealing mix. While “I’m Trying to Love Garbage” (the book’s title) is a dubious goal, “…learning to act like someone who thinks more about garbage” (the book’s conclusion) is more attainable. The book lacks traditional back matter, such as a bibliography and additional information, which would have been helpful in enticing readers to learn more about the topic.