I love you, Blue
(Book)

PreS-K--Through the friendship of a lighthouse keeper with a whale named Blue, readers are introduced to the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and ocean life. One day Blue rescues the lighthouse keeper when he is caught in his boat during a storm, but the next day it is up to the keeper to rescue Blue when he discovers that the whale is sick with a stomach full of plastic bags. By cleaning up the trash, the lighthouse keeper helps Blue feel better. Simple text and charming watercolor illustrations gently depict the damage humans can do to the environment. While the story is simple, readers learn about the importance of caring for the ocean. An author's note includes ways readers can help protect whales and their habitats by changing habits, such as using reusable containers instead of plastic bottles. There is also a list of organizations for learning more and for volunteering. VERDICT A good fit for libraries seeking additional titles about taking care of the environment.--Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga P. L. Syst., OH

A little sailor in a small boat saves a whale from death by plastic. As the sea churns and rages, a little boat and its White sailor are in desperate trouble ("Mayday! Mayday!"), but a massive whale named Blue comes to the rescue. The small sailor, now snug and safe in a lighthouse, wishes Blue good night: "Blue, Blue…you are beautiful. Blue, Blue…good night." The next day the sailor searches for Blue and frets when it doesn't appear. Blue is deep beneath the sea and not feeling well. After entering the whale's mouth, the sailor discovers that Blue's belly is filled with plastic bags. In an effort to help the whale, the little sailor gathers all the bags and carries them away in the boat, leaving Blue to eat a healthier diet of jellyfish. The next encounter finds Blue leaping happily while the sailor proclaims a loving message to the whale. The caring little sailor's tale presents basic information about humans' threats to whales along with a heartfelt exhortation for young readers to join in the effort to save the oceans and the whales. Thin outlines delineate the simple forms of the sailor, the other living creatures, the boat, the lighthouse, and the plastic bags. The whale and its interior, the sky, and the sea dominate these softly colored compositions. A gentle and tender cautionary tale that avoids excessive didacticism. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

PreS-K—Through the friendship of a lighthouse keeper with a whale named Blue, readers are introduced to the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and ocean life. One day Blue rescues the lighthouse keeper when he is caught in his boat during a storm, but the next day it is up to the keeper to rescue Blue when he discovers that the whale is sick with a stomach full of plastic bags. By cleaning up the trash, the lighthouse keeper helps Blue feel better. Simple text and charming watercolor illustrations gently depict the damage humans can do to the environment. While the story is simple, readers learn about the importance of caring for the ocean. An author's note includes ways readers can help protect whales and their habitats by changing habits, such as using reusable containers instead of plastic bottles. There is also a list of organizations for learning more and for volunteering. VERDICT A good fit for libraries seeking additional titles about taking care of the environment.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga P. L. Syst., OH