One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon. Millbrook, 2015. 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8
Recommended For: Ages 4-8

What do you do when the convenience of plastic bags turns into piles of garbage by the wayside, as well as health hazards for people and livestock?

Troubled by the dying goats, ugliness and malaria breeding grounds created by discarded plastic bags, Isatou Ceesay looked for a solution. She and a few other women gathered filthy bags, washed them and devised a way to crochet strips of the thin plastic into something beautiful and useful. The proceeds provided a means to improve their lives and surroundings.

The subtitle speaks of recycling, but this is better than making robots out of cereal boxes: this is redemptive, creative labor. Although the story is not written from a biblical worldview, Isatou is a resourceful woman made in the image of God. She takes what is rejected and available and makes something useful and beautiful. This is a good reminder for Westerners, whether we are living with abundant resources or trying to help others in need.

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘What do you have in your hand?’” (Exodus 4:2a)

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Worldview Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Artistic Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Categories: picture books, 4 stars and up, nonfiction, character values

Cover image from goodreads.