One Plastic Bag: More Than a Picture Book! by Kathy Halsey

ONE PLASTIC BAG: ISATOU CEESAY AND THE RECYCLING WOMEN OF THE GAMBIA by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, is more than an informational picture book. It's collaboration and celebration; a lesson in sustainability; a lesson for picture book writers to immerse themselves in craft and best practices, too. 

Collaboration & Sustainability

The women who brought this book to fruition have many talents that are woven together by the shared passion of making difference for our environment and for our children. Isatou, a Gambian woman, began to view the utilitarian plastic bag at a threat to the beauty of Njau, her home. Along with five other women, she washed, crocheted, and transformed these bags into purses. Isatou's call for solutions led to an economic engine that continues to make a difference. Earnings from the plastic purses funded a community center focused on literacy and empowerment, a true cause for celebration.

Isatou and Miranda

Elizabeth at work in the studio

Miranda's path to Gambia and her debut picture book One Plastic Bag began when she traveled there in 2003 to volunteer and teach. On Miranda's third visit, she finally met Isatou and the women who inspired her to write her debut book. Miranda has been involved in environmental issues since she was young, and her picture book and web site engage readers to consider the consequences of one person, one plastic bag and what one more voice/ call to action can produce.
 Now add the third creative woman, illustrator Elizabeth Zunon, who grew up in West Africa and graduated from RISD, and there is powerful magic. Elizabeth incorporates real plastic bags & cut-up magazines in her mixed media collages and children's book illustrations. The efforts of all these creative women make ONE PLASTIC BAG a book that can be used by scouting troops, teachers, and parents alike.

•  ONE PLASTIC BAG is great study for picture book writers, too.  The first page of text introduces us immediately to the main character Isatou and the setting We know our MC is cold and uncomfortable, and the scene uses sensory details other than sight to  transport the reader to Njau.  
•  The simple refrain of "one, two, then ten" begins on page 7 and does not change until the solution to the conflict begins. "One friend helps, then two, then five."

•  The  problems the Gambian people face with plastic is laid out in threes: the ugliness, goats dying; mosquitoes. 
•  Authentic vocabulary from Wolof is used sparingly and simply. Miranda imparts information in sprinkles for a young audience.
•  The pages turns at the end are so powerful, and the final solution and picture of happy goats and a clean environment grace the last page.  
•  Interesting, educational back matter begins w/the author's note which personalizes the story. Then the Wolof Glossary and pronunciation guide, timeline, and further reading are provided.  

It is no wonder ONE PLATIC BAG: ISATOU CESSAY AND THE RECYCLING WOMEN OF THE GAMBIA has debuted to acclaim and star reviews! Bravo Miranda, Isatou, and Elizabeth! First one, then two, now YOU can add your comments about this true story!