What Matters

When a young boy is walking through a park, he picks up a pop can from the ground and puts it in a recycling bin. The effects of his simple act are explored locally and globally and readers are shown how the boy made the Earth a little bit better. Suitable as a read-aloud or for buddy reading, this appealing Canadian picture book can help students develop an appreciation for the positive impact one’s actions can have. It introduces themes of environmentalism, waste reduction, conservation, recycling, and how humans have an impact on nature, and can launch discussion of how we care for our families, communities, and natural environments.