The Mess That We Made explores the environmental impact of trash and
plastic on the ocean and marine life, and it inspires kids to do their
part to combat pollution. Simple, rhythmic wording builds to a crescendo
("This is the mess that we made. These are the fish that swim in the
mess that we made.") and the vibrant digital artwork captures the
disaster that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Children can imagine
themselves as one of the four multi-ethnic occupants of the little boat
surrounded by swirling plastic in the middle of the ocean, witnessing
the cycle of destruction and the harm it causes to plants, animals, and
humans. The first half of the book portrays the growing magnitude of the
issue, and the second half rallies children and adults to make the
necessary changes to save our oceans. Facts about the Great Pacific
Garbage Patch, ocean pollution, and how kids can help are included in
the back matter.