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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
All That Glitters Is Not Gold by Emily Rose Brubaker follows Willow, a girl who lives in Alaska. She is drawn to the light during long summer days and winter nights filled with northern lights. When Willow receives a rather plain gray cup at breakfast, she decides to build a glitter-covered birdhouse, which she promptly hangs in a birch tree near a creek. A storm washes the glitter into the water and, to her great disappointment, Willow sees salmon ingesting the sparkly pieces and realizes the material is plastic waste. Willow learns from her mother that plastic glitter does not break down and can harm animals, while plant-based or natural materials do not have the same effects. The next day, Willow rebuilds the birdhouse using items found outdoors. Birds return to the new shelter, and Willow stops using plastic glitter, understanding that traces of it remain in nature even when unseen.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold by Emily Rose Brubaker is a wonderful children’s picture book that covers environmental choices and responsibility. Brubaker does an excellent job of tying a child’s love of sparkle to real-world consequences, showing that small creative decisions can protect animals and waterways. The language is simple and rhythmic, and my youngest reader was able to follow along, guided by the short scenes and repetition that suit reading aloud. Willow is so likable, and her curiosity and actions as she notices harm are just the response we want our children to embrace, modeling accountability in a way that feels reassuring and hopeful for kids. The illustrations are lovely, in a contemporary graphic cartoon style and an earth tone palette. With an abundance of conversation starters, facts, and resources at the end, this book has everything needed for an entertaining and educational read. Very highly recommended.
