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Plasticus Maritimus

An Invasive Species
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( 280 ratings, 52 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Plasticus Maritimus is a children's book about the alarming rise of plastic pollution in our oceans. Through engaging illustrations and compelling narrative, it invites young readers to explore the impact of plastic on marine life and encourages practical actions children can take to help reduce this environmental problem. The book is both informative and empowering, aiming to inspire the next generation to protect our planet.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this fascinating journey that encourages young readers to explore the widespread issue of ocean plastic pollution through the eyes of a scientist and artist. It combines educational insights with a creative approach, appealing to those interested in environmental protection and igniting curiosity about how we can all make a positive impact on the world.

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Age range 12+ **Honourable Mention - Bologna Ragazzi Award**

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Age range 12+

Honourable Mention - Bologna Ragazzi Award

There's an invasive species in our oceans: Plasticus maritimus. It's a threat to our world. What is it? What can we do about it?

When she was young, biologist Ana Pego didn't play in a backyard, but on a beach. She walked along the shore, looked at tide pools, and collected fossils. As she grew older, Pego noticed a new species at the seaside: plastic. She decided to collect it, study it, and give it a Latin name - Plasticus maritimus - to warn people of its dangers to our planet.

Inspired by Pego's life's work, and filled with engaging science and colourful photographs, this foundational look at ocean plastics explains why they are such an urgent contemporary issue. Pego tells us how plastics end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, shares plastic's chemical composition and physical properties, and offers a field guide to help readers identify and understand this new invasive species in all its forms, from the obvious (fishing nets and water bottles) to the unfamiliar (tiny, clear particles called microplastics). Finally, she offers a critical look at our current 'solutions' to plastic contamination and in her most important proposal - REVOLUTIONISE - calls for deep changes in our habits, motivating young and old alike to make a difference, together.

An artificial and almost indestructible species, Plasticus maritimus deserves to have its days numbered! Together, we can send it packing.

Plasticus Maritimus is truly a pivotal book of our time. Ana's journey to specialising on this topic mirrors many and especially youth we meet all over the world. I can't imagine a better 'field guide' will ever be made that explains the problem, offers alternatives and provides a clear call to action. Bravo Ana! - Adrian Midwood, Executive Director, Plastic Oceans Canada

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  • Plasticus Maritimus
    Age range 12+ Honourable Mention - Bologna Ragazzi Award There's an invasive species in our oceans: Plasticus maritimus. It's a threat to our world. What is it? What can we do about it? When she was young, biologist Ana Pego didn't play in a backyard, but on a beach. She walked along the shore, looked at tide pools, and collected...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Plasticus Maritimus has been highly praised for its engaging and informative approach to educating young readers about ocean plastic pollution. Celebrated as an Outstanding Science Trade Book and a Junior Library Guild selection, it is noted for its clever, comprehensive take on a serious issue, providing a solid introduction to the problem and easy-to-understand explanations. Reviewers commend the book's imaginative presentation and beautiful illustrations, making it an inspiring read for children and adults that calls for positive action against plastic pollution.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781771646437

Publisher: Greystone Books,Canada

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 13 October 2020

Country: Canada

Imprint: Greystone Books,Canada

Illustration: full color throughout, illustrations and photographs

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Bernado P. Carvalho

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 209.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Ana Pgo is a marine biologist and is involved in environmental education projects that combine science and art to raise people's awareness about the need to conserve the ocean. She created Plasticus Maritimus-an ongoing project and Facebook page, where she gives regular updates on her findings.

Isabel Minhs Martins graduated in Communication Design from Lisbon College of Fine Arts and co-founder of the Portuguese publisher Planeta Tangerina. She the author of numerous books, including When I Was Born.

Bernardo P. Cavalho is an award-winning illustrator and co-founder of the Portuguese publisher, Planeta Tangerina.

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