POPPY'S PURPOSE TO PREVENT POLLUTION

Sea creatures suffer the effects of ocean pollution in this picture book.

Poppy, a porpoise, and her friends Terry, a sea turtle, and Clay, a crab, are distraught to encounter “plastic bottles, straws, bags, face masks, and all different kinds of things” littering their waters. After a “plastic straw goes straight into Terry’s nose,” she yelps in pain and starts bleeding. Although Clay attempts to remove it using his claw and Poppy tries with her flippers, the object remains stuck. Poppy instructs Terry to “be brave and swim to shore for help.” Terry is relieved when a beachgoer rescues her and whisks her away for aid. Poppy and Clay feel “sad, scared, and confused” but are delighted when Terry returns healed days later. As Poppy swims to the water’s surface for a “breath of the salty air,” she spots people picking up trash and begins to feel optimistic: “Life is great living in the sea. I’m hopeful humans will keep it clean!” Through the eyes of kindhearted and sympathetic characters, Moore’s enjoyable story portrays the concerning reality of ocean pollution in a way that youngsters will understand. The tale underscores the necessity of keeping the waters clean and safe and will inspire readers to take action. Sergii’s cartoonlike, full-color illustrations feature detailed scenes and up-close depictions of animated animals. The images show blue waters littered with trash, bustling beach scenes, and seascapes with vivid elements, including bubbles and reefs.

An engaging animal friendship tale that emphasizes an important environmental message.