As I walked along my street yesterday, I passed several piles of household items waiting for collection by the council. There was everything from tables and chairs to bikes and toys, cabinets and draws to kitchen appliances and garden tools. Definitely lots of things that could be repurposed and up-cycled.
Every room in Ella’s house was full of useless things…the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom, the attic, even the shed, all completely crammed full. A good clean-up, chuck-stuff-out day is the perfect idea to get the house decluttered again. As they drive to the rubbish tip with their trailer full of useless things, something strange happens. For what Ella and dad see as useless, others see a purpose, and soon everyone is hunting through the trash for a little piece of treasure…
In our throw-away society the need to live more sustainably is paramount. Ella and the Useless Day is a fabulous reminder that one person’s trash is another one’s treasure in a lovely celebration of repurposing, up-cycling, community and collaboration.
The sweet read follows Ella and her dad on the way to the rubbish tip after a house clean-up only to find a community of friendly people who can make use of the ‘useless’ trailer of trash. One of dad’s funky suits finds the perfect home on a scarecrow, Ella’s rusty old trike is turned into an innovative holder for plant pots, a hole-filled blanket is re-sewn and turned into a dog’s bed, even thingamajigs and whatchamacallit’s find new homes. And soon there is nothing left to take the tip.
The heartwarming and accessible messages are delivered through watercolour illustrations that buzz with community spirit and Meg McKinlay’s words are sure to inspire young minds to see the good and potential in everyday items that at first might seem useless. With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review. Recommended for 3+.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2024
|