Have you ever wondered what would happen to Santa Claus if he ran into trouble on his once a year jaunt around the earth? Well, the North Pole has a rescue system in place for such unwanted and unexpected events. This rescue system involves a team of Santa’s Rescue Elves, or Relves for short. These Relves are highly trained in their ability to rescue him anywhere in the world under any condition. And why is that? Because they are sent to different locations throughout the year to train. Their most recent expedition took them to the Pacific Ocean where, instead of enjoying the sights of fascinating marine life, they discovered a plastic island, covered in all kinds of discarded plastic items. And, they also found three young creatures trapped in various plastic items. Relves to the rescue! But they also realized that this is a far bigger problem than just the three creatures that they rescued.

Monty J. McClaine has a clever way of educating young readers in the art of recycling. His colorful (illustrated by the very talented Abira Das) picture book story, The Plastic Pollution Adventure, takes young readers on a journey of discovery. When the Relves find the plastic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, young readers learn along with the Relves the shocking truth about humans and plastic. The story will make young readers more cognisant of the plastic items they use on a daily basis: plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic cups – the list is endless. Hopefully by teaching the younger generation to recycle, they, in turn, can teach their elders, perhaps by example. A wonderful way to introduce the growing concerns of pollution and the need to be diligent about recycling. Well done!

Santa’s rescue elves have their work cut out for them in The Plastic Pollution Adventure, by Monty J. McClaine, when they are sent out to various places around the world in the event that Santa should break down somewhere along his way. This time, elves sent to the mid-Pacific intend to explore under the deep blue sea. Much to their surprise, however, they come across a mysterious island, made of and filled with all sorts of plastic bottles and other items. Suddenly, out from the midst of the plastic island-mountain, comes a cry for help. Young readers will be delighted by the creatures the elves find, while no doubt disturbed by the plastic trappings in which the poor baby animals find themselves. Luckily, Santa’s elves are able to save the day!

In The Plastic Pollution Adventure, Monty J. McClaine, with the aid of his illustrator, Abira Das, brings a lesson home to young ones about the dangers of pollution in general, and of pollution caused by plastic bottles and bags in particular. In addition, children will learn the main method for avoiding the problem in the first place, which is to say that people should use recycling bins. It was also wise of McClaine to add to his story that Santa’s elves not only discover the problem, they do something about it. That is, they clear the offending materials away and deliver them to recycling bins elsewhere. Parents and teachers will find this a valuable resource for use at home and in the classroom when discussing environmental issues.