Plasticus Maritimus

by Ana Pêgo, Isabel Minhós Martins (Illustrator), Bernardo P. Carvalho (Illustrator)

Quando era pequena, a bióloga Ana Pêgo não brincava no quintal, mas quase sempre na praia. Fazia passeios, observava as poças de maré e colecionava fósseis. À medida que foi crescendo, apercebeu-se, porém, de que uma nova espécie invasora se tornava cada vez mais comum na areia: o plástico. 
Para melhor alertar para as suas consequências na vida do planeta, Ana decidiu colecionar e dar um nome a esta espécie. Chamou-lhe Plasticus maritimus, e desde então nunca mais lhe deu tréguas, iniciando um projeto de sensibilização para um uso mais sensato dos plásticos.

Inspirado neste projeto, este livro contém informação sobre a relação entre o plástico e os oceanos. Inclui também um guia para preparar idas à praia, com o objetivo de colecionar e analisar exemplares desta espécie. Objetivo: motivar para a mudança.
O Plasticus maritimus merece ter os dias contados!

A cada hora que passa, mil toneladas de plástico vão parar aos oceanos.
O equivalente a um camião cheio de plástico, por minuto!
Já é tempo de fazermos alguma coisa.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Nature, Environment, Middle Grade, Picture Books

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! I hope this is bought by school libraries and read by as many children and adults as possible.

Ana grew up by the beach and has spent her life learning about the ocean, it’s inhabitants and the devastating destruction humans are causing to our oceans. This book has some sobering facts, I just couldn’t imagine how 9 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year and how one single disposable nappy will take 450 years to degrade. This book really brings home what a bad situation our world and oceans are in but it also gives you so much information and practical advice. I loved the advice pages on what you can do and suggestions about how you can safely be active in clearing up beaches. There were some very good and inspiring suggestions on cutting back on our consumption of plastic wrapped goods, asking supermarkets for change as well as positive facts about how demand has led to change. I was encouraged to read that a supermarket chain in Finland has become the first to go plastic free from it’s own brand products. It would be so good if others could follow suit.

I loved how this book which is about something so sad managed to make so many positive suggestions. There’s some great photos of treasures found whilst beach tidying and some really lovely coloured pencil drawings. You can tell this author has done her research, knows her stuff and really cares about what she does. The sculpture she has made using beach found plastic is amazing and I think this would be a hugely inspirational project for a school or group to take on, trying to see how much they can tidy up and to make something out of what they gather.

There was a comprehensive list of the author’s sources in the end pages and suggestions for further research and action.

Highly recommended!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Hilary and to Kaleidoscope Magazine for alerting me to this wonderful book.

My library had only one copy, a Hoopla e-book edition, so that is what I read.

The first thing I noticed was the extraordinarily gorgeous illustrations.

There are also some great photos. They make a compelling point.

This is not a criticism because the narrative is told in an interesting way but this book does read as a textbook. It is a picture book but it’s long, much longer and with more text and more advanced vocabulary than the average picture book, and that is even considering how much page space has pictures.

As far as the text goes, this narrative covers a lot. It’s a comprehensive look at its subject.

Superb science (and nature) book, interesting personal story, lovely art book with splendid pictures & photos. Approachable yet not dumbed down one bit.

I appreciate how the author tells a bit about how she became interested in the subject and takes readers through her various activities. She’s a marine biologist and an artist and combines those skills, and now writing this book, to do her work. In doing so she shows readers of all ages ways they can make a difference. She makes a good case for becoming an activist and taking direct actions to improve the ecosystem. She never minimizes the importance and urgency of the topic but uses humor and art to try to inspire others to join with her to make a positive difference.

I learned a tremendous amount and felt inspired to do better. I’ve already been improving over the years but I have room for improvement. I am too far from living as close to a zero waste life as I can get.

This book should be in every library, including school libraries, and in households that include children.

I wish I had a copy if only to go back to the resources pages but I figure I can always borrow the book as many times as I’d like. This is one worth owning though, in my opinion.

I’d recommend this book to ages 9 and all the way up but I’d say definitely for ages 10-13. (I’ve asked someone who might know the target age for this book better than I and I’m considering asking the author. Anyone else? Thanks.)

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the past, not only was there less plastic produced and consumed, but its impact on nature was unknown. And the word ‘recycling’ made us feel relaxed … Our peace of mind ended when we began to understand all the problems associated with plastics and their recycling. I invite you to dive into this sea of problems. Plastic problems. Not very pleasant. Can you take it?”

Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species is such a neat, informative, and gorgeous book. It is intended for children, but I think it’s a great book for anyone who is interested in learning about environmental science, sustainability, and the plastics problem.

I learned quite a bit beginning with a better understanding of the basics of scientific names, why being specific in our efforts to focus on and address the issue of plastics in oceans is important (as opposed addressing it in tandem with overfishing, sound pollution from maritime traffic, increased water temperature, land pollution, and et cetera which are all important too and deserve specific attention as well), how plastics are produced, what microplastics are, and why recycling is actually quite difficult and not the be all, end all of sustainability.

I appreciate Ana Pêgo because she is intent on holding people accountable; there is a section title “We Can No Longer Say, ‘I Didn’t Know …’” and a section that responds to some of the more common excuses for why we may ignore the issue than take action. However, Pêgo also holds corporate entities accountable as well.

I know that there is much more that I could be doing to reduce my own plastic consumption, but I think that the greatest responsibility lies with corporations rather than individuals. This is where Pêgo reminds the reader of their power. She mentions the common R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. She also highlights an important R: refuse. She uses the example of oranges that are sold pre-peeled and in plastic packaging, and suggests buying oranges in the packaging provided by nature and putting in the effort to peel them. (side note: Pêgo also mentions refusing straws but she notes that straws can be helpful and essential for some people with disabilities, which is important to remember). Also she mentions practical ways to incorporate the other R’s: repair, revolutionize, and resist.

There are so many wonderful and vibrant colored pencil illustrations. There are also many photographs as well. My favorite is a picture of a packet of drinking water used by the Russian Navy that Pêgo found while beach combing! Speaking of beach combing, she also gives many tips for safely combing beaches and collecting specimens (and provided a hashtag for readers to post items they find on social media).

Overall, this is a wonderful book. Though there are many sobering and disappointing statistics, Pêgo reminds readers of their own agency and ability to introduce change and provides many heartening statistics as well. And because this book is so beautiful, I think I’m going to buy a personal copy for myself as well.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to plasticus maritimus, or the invasive "species" of plastic in oceans. I live in the Great Lakes region of the USA, so I'm thousands of miles from oceans, and most of the beaches in my state are privately owned, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't think critically about how plastic consumption and waste affect oceans.

While Plasticus Maritimus is technically classified as juvenile reading, its technical language belies its crayon illustrations. It's written at a middle school level, at least, and it didn't feel dumbed down to this adult reader. Kids who are interested in the ocean and marine life will appreciate learning how they can structure their lifestyles to support global flourishing. This would be an amazing resource for a school project, especially in areas that have public beaches.

In the "reduce, reuse, recycle" scheme, I'm most into reduce and reuse. As much as I wish recycling was actually useful, I know it's really not all it's cracked up to be. I really appreciated Pêgo's ideas about reducing and reusing, and I plan to start carrying a reusable cloth bag around when I shop so I don't have to take plastic bags. I might even start carrying a metal straw around since I only use straws at restaurants. Pêgo's ideas for balloon alternatives are giving me lots of ideas for party decor (though all the ideas involve more time and money than blowing up balloons--perhaps an incentive to keep, share, and reuse party decor rather than trashing it). I love the idea of raising children aware of this problem, so they grow up critical of overconsumption and waste.

At the end of the day, though, the responsibility to change is on the producers of plastic and other harmful practices. I can control my use, recycling, and disposal of plastics, but I don't produce them. This is the whole point of the Doug Forcett storyline in The Good Place. Since corporations aren't people, we can't simply urge them to think of the children and the sea turtles. We have to convince them it's economically worth it to change their ways. What that looks like, I leave to better minds than mine, but I'm along for the ride.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

By giving plastic polluting our oceans a scientific name (Plasticus maritimus), the author is hoping to use scientific study to help solve the problem of too much plastic. Readers will learn how can they help. The book is published with a heavy cardboard cover -- no plastic!

[Clare Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the English translation. Excellent nonfiction book for young readers about the dangers of plastic in our oceans. It affects all of us more than we could ever realize. Tons of diagrams, illustrations, and photos, as well as definitions and simple explanations. Ages 10 and up.

[Solange Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro perfecto para sensibilizar a los pequeños sobre uno de los problemas ambientales que tenemos.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for all ages! It discusses what is good & bad about plastics. It tells how our plastics pollute the environment, and ways to be part of the solution to this problem.

[Markéta Forejtová · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5*

[Liz Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story: In a very straightforward way, marine biologist Ana Pego discusses plastic and the grave danger it poses to the world's oceans and to its ultimate survival. Depressing fact: by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans (by weight) than fish. She discusses how plastic makes its way into the water stream, how it breaks down into microscopic pieces and makes its way into the digestive systems of animals at the same time its toxins affect them in other negative ways, and encourages kids to be environmental cleanup engineers, to do what they can to avoid unnecessary plastic use, and to dispose of it responsibly.

June Cleaver's ratings: this book is non-fiction, so June's ratings don't apply.

Liz's comments: Pego's writing is very accessible, and a lot of grown-ups would benefit from reading this slim volume too. The illustrations make it look like it's for little kids, but I think it is suitable for grades 4-7. Recommended for every school library and envinronmental science class or club.

[4EverStudent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro importante para qualquer idade.
Este verão, várias bibliotecas ao longo do país usaram-no como livro de apoio para acções com crianças :)
Que as novas gerações tenham mais consciência ambiental e ajudem a mudar mentalidades, sobretudo as mais reticentes aos factos.
O livro tem figuras e imagens que ajudam a tornar a leitura mais leve e o livro mais atractivo, não deixando de apresentar todas as informações relevantes.
Desde como preparar uma saída para recolha de plástico nas praias, a uma pequena síntese da história do plástico, incluindo claro informações sobre a perigosidade desta "espécie invasora".
Surpreendente pela positiva, tem muito mais do que se esperaria à partida de um livro da secção infantil :p

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of plastic, as told by an ocean-loving marine scientist. Where it shows up, the damage it does, how to get rid of it, how to keep it out in the first place. A good message, told well, that neither glorifies individual action nor diminishes it.

But the charming part are the colorful and personal illustrations as well as the photographs showing what the author or others found on the beach. These are both charming and also richly illustrative of the important points being made.

I like the bibliography and additional sources, and I like the flavor of the translation.

The publisher provided me with an ecopy for review.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The issue of plastics as a global contaminant (and continues to create problems at accelerating rates) is s sort of common knowledge, but knowledge that is totally inadequate to develop interventions and necessary change.
The marine biologist author of this remarkably comprehensive but accessible picture book combines persuasive and comprehensive text with supportive illustration, photos, and graphics to lead readers to act. That may include seeking even more information, but SHOULD involve individual and organized actions that will begin to turn the tide. Perhaps in time to save our oceans.
Perhaps.
Share this book widely if you believe that iwould be a good thing.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and so, so helpful. This should be read by every middle/high school student, heck, the whole population. We all need to learn how to deal with plastic in a helpful way that can really make a difference.

https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/...

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the concept of plastic as an invasive species. Colored sketches and photographs of plastic found on beaches (and a sculpture the author created from some of this plastic) make the book feel fun and young, but it has lots of dense information including many resources in the back of the book. I like the call to action the book offers.

[Joana Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro incrível para miúdos e graúdos que querem ser mais conscientes em relação a poluição dos oceanos pelos plásticos e saber o que podemos fazer para dar o nosso contributo. Tudo no livro é lindo, desde as histórias à ilustração. Adorei!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared toward middle grade and teen readers. Pego shares information about water pollution and offers ideas for changing the amount of plastic in our waterways and oceans.
Written in simple language to explain complex problems.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have been given the English version of the book.
It was full of interesting information.

[Paula Magalhães · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro para ler, reler, transmitir, informar, repassar e voltar novamente a ele! Adorei ! Não fição é claro, fala-nos com uma linguagem super simples acerca de uma nova espécie: Plasticus marítimus , não viva, que contamina em grande escala, rios, mares e oceanos.
Extremamente didático, ensina imenso sobre o plástico, mas de uma forma muito descontraída . Apresenta ideias e soluções e também nos dá esperança porque muitos dos que se preocupam com esta temática , já arregaçaram as mangas e meteram mãos à obra...são eles os beachcombers que recolhem e identificam peças de plástico, organizam em grupos semelhantes e em rede procuram a sua origem...e é absolutamente surpreendente saber o quanto o plástico sobrevive e percorre nos oceanos. Diria que é uma leitura obrigatória para todos os que se preocupam com o ambiente. As ilustrações são deliciosas e tornam a leitura muito prazerosa! Este livro devia ser bem mais conhecido e andar na boca de todo mundo!

[Katie Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about our world and plastic use, the eventual wrongful disposal of plastic in our oceans. This topic often leaves kids confused, even some adults, but this book uses interesting words & illustrations to keep the audience engaged, longing to flip to the next page.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love the ocean and feel sad about all the plastic that is hurting wildlife and marine health? This colorful book will give you hopeful and hands-on skills to confront the problem on your own trips to the beach and even here at home. Did you know that cigarette butts, Q-tips, and candy wrappers are a few of the plastics most often found on beaches AND inside marine animals? You can make a difference just by throwing away these pieces of litter before they wash off the sidewalk and into our storm drainage, then into the White River, then into the Ohio River, then into the Mississippi River, then into the Gulf of Mexico, then eaten by a group of tuna who are then fished by humans for your dinner...

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and impressive book to introduce children to an important earth-care topic: plastics. The book goes in great detail about plastics: how they are made, how they end up in the ocean, and the consequences of such waste. A lot of the book is like a "field guide" of plastics as "exotic species" where you can lean about specific types of plastics found in the ocean. Of course, the book goes beyond information and encourages thoughtful action and ways to look for alternative solutions. This is an important topic and I think it's nicely broached here in this format. It's comprehensive and appeals to our minds as well as our hearts.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Greystone Kids. Opinions are my own.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una breve guía de campo "para todos los públicos", tanto público infantil como adulto y bien con formación científica o no. Creo que es un libro que puede disfrutar cualquier persona interesada en los problemas medioambientales que produce el plástico en el mar. Es interesantísima la parte sobre los objetos extraños encontrados en la playa, las historias que tienen detrás y los kilómetros que pudieron haber recorrido hasta llegar a su destino final. Los dibujos y fotos también son un complemento perfecto para adaptar el libro a un público más infantil.

[Salamah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know about plastic and all the problems associated with plastic, then this is a must read. This was an excellent book filled with great information however at the end of reading this I felt a little sad. Our society relies sooooooo much on plastic that I think humans are doomed. We are just going to keep poisoning the Earth until something big happens and then it will be too late. However, maybe someone will invent something to break down all this plastic in a safe way. We can always have hope!

[Sanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing! I went through every page with excitement to learn more and courage to go through even if there were things that made me sad or upset. This definitely motivated me! It will defiantly motivate the young other readers too! This book raises awareness of our gorgeous planet and I defiantly hope other young people read this just like I did and start changing the world for the better!

[Annella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to fulfill the outstanding science trade books for K-12/non-fiction requirement for my 40-book-challenge. This book discusses the issue of plastic polluting the Earth's oceans and beaches. In a fun, colorful, informational, and educational manner this book pulls its readers into a mindset of activism. After educating readers on what this plastic is doing to our planet, the book discusses ways that we can help address the problem. This book is fantastic!

[Diana Lourenço · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este é um livro que cheira a mar e a ensinamentos! Colorido, divertido é um importante livro para se aprender mais sobre o plástico, os oceanos e acima de tudo, é uma importante ferramenta para não nos esquecermos que precisamos mudar o nosso estilo de vida para que esta espécie invasora não se multiplique ainda mais!

[Zouggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un merveilleux documentaire ultra complet (et ultra beau) qui aborde toutes les problématiques du plastique rejeté dans les océans. L'autrice est elle-même une "beachcomber" : elle arpente les plages à la recherche de la moindre paille abandonnée là ! Une tonne d'informations, et une tonne d'idées pour agir.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing book to inspire change! Filled with historical and background information, science, small ideas for big impact, colorful illustrations and photos and so much more. We need to get this into the hands of more students.

[João Teixeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um excelente livro que poderá ajudar muitos jovens e não só a tornarem-se sensíveis em relação às questões ambientais e de destruição do planeta através de produtos sintéticos criados pelo Homem.