One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: One Plastic Bag has so many hooks. First, Miranda incorporates Gambian culture and language into the text, immersing the reader into Isatou’s world. Second, the book has great read aloud-ability. Miranda uses a repeating refrain: “first one, then two, then ten,” which makes kids want to chant along. Finally, who can resist a story about one person seeing an insurmountable problem and taking a small step that leads to a giant change? RESOURCES/ACTIVITIES: One Plastic Bag‘s Web site is packed with activities and information, including a PowerPoint about The Gambia and instructions for turning plastic bags into purses.

This gorgeously illustrated true story shows how Isatou Ceesay and other women in her small village in the Gambia solved a big problem: discarded plastic bags, which were killing livestock and providing breeding places for disease-carrying mosquitos. She and her friends cleaned the bags, cut them into long continuous strips (you can find directions on how to do this online--many places call it "plarn" for "plastic yarn"), and crocheted them into change purses, which now they sell, both locally and abroad. Author Miranda Paul has spent many years teaching in the Gambia and is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement, and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon has also illustrated The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the story of William Kamkwamba, who taught himself to build a windmill to provide his village with electricity. It's a great read--highly, highly recommended.

A book with a great message. We used this book in summer camp with elementary school aged children. They grasp the context and message well. Then we challenged them to create something out of plastic bags as well. It was a great activity that tied in with the book!

I love how this story has so many powerful messages. It starts with one plastic bag that no one is concerned about and evolves into a story about taking care of our planet, women being problem solvers, and that we are able to do far more when we band together than we ever are able to do on our own.

Recycling, resourcefulness, and personal growth are featured in this biographical story about a woman that helps clean up her community, make money doing it, and further give back to her community.

Miranda Paul chronicles the inspirational journey taken by Isatou Ceesay. Isatou takes it upon herself to collect discarded plastic bags and recycle them. These bags pooled water bringing mosquitoes and disease. Livestock died from eating the bags and gardens choked on them. Isatou brings change by gathering her friends to clean the bags and weave them into beautiful purses. Selling the purses earns money to replace dead livestock and build a healthy community. Elizabeth Zunon's vibrant illustrations depict the amazing transformation made by one woman's mission to save her village.

A wonderful book. I served with the Peace Corps volunteer mentioned in the book. I love the illustrations and the simple and powerful explanation of the project. The story of Isatou identifying the problem of plastic bag litter and then her creating an effective solution was inspiring. I even started a similar project in my village after being trained by Peggy! I highly recommend this timely and engaging book.

I have to admit that I am partial to this book. I was actually serving in Peace Corp in The Gambia when Peggy (mentioned in book) was also serving. Peggy is the one that started the women's group that this book is written about. I LOVE the fact that the women's group is flourishing like it is😊

I crochet so I like it was about crocheting from strips of plastic bags. I like that it was beautifully illustrated and multicultural.

There are so many things I love about this book. First, the story about an incredible woman who used her vision and intelligence to start an enterprise that teaches young woman so many skills. Then the way the story is told by a very gifted writer. And to top it off, the illustrations are beautiful. This books transcends age and gender and race, it will appeal to any audience, and can be used with young children to teach them early the importance of recylcling and protecting our environment everywhere.

WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: One Plastic Bag has so many hooks. First, Miranda incorporates Gambian culture and language into the text, immersing the reader into Isatou’s world. Second, the book has great read aloud-ability. Miranda uses a repeating refrain: “first one, then two, then ten,” which makes kids want to chant along. Finally, who can resist a story about one person seeing an insurmountable problem and taking a small step that leads to a giant change? RESOURCES/ACTIVITIES: One Plastic Bag‘s Web site is packed with activities and information, including a PowerPoint about The Gambia and instructions for turning plastic bags into purses.

This gorgeously illustrated true story shows how Isatou Ceesay and other women in her small village in the Gambia solved a big problem: discarded plastic bags, which were killing livestock and providing breeding places for disease-carrying mosquitos. She and her friends cleaned the bags, cut them into long continuous strips (you can find directions on how to do this online--many places call it "plarn" for "plastic yarn"), and crocheted them into change purses, which now they sell, both locally and abroad. Author Miranda Paul has spent many years teaching in the Gambia and is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement, and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon has also illustrated The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the story of William Kamkwamba, who taught himself to build a windmill to provide his village with electricity. It's a great read--highly, highly recommended.

A book with a great message. We used this book in summer camp with elementary school aged children. They grasp the context and message well. Then we challenged them to create something out of plastic bags as well. It was a great activity that tied in with the book!

I love how this story has so many powerful messages. It starts with one plastic bag that no one is concerned about and evolves into a story about taking care of our planet, women being problem solvers, and that we are able to do far more when we band together than we ever are able to do on our own.

Recycling, resourcefulness, and personal growth are featured in this biographical story about a woman that helps clean up her community, make money doing it, and further give back to her community.

Miranda Paul chronicles the inspirational journey taken by Isatou Ceesay. Isatou takes it upon herself to collect discarded plastic bags and recycle them. These bags pooled water bringing mosquitoes and disease. Livestock died from eating the bags and gardens choked on them. Isatou brings change by gathering her friends to clean the bags and weave them into beautiful purses. Selling the purses earns money to replace dead livestock and build a healthy community. Elizabeth Zunon's vibrant illustrations depict the amazing transformation made by one woman's mission to save her village.

A wonderful book. I served with the Peace Corps volunteer mentioned in the book. I love the illustrations and the simple and powerful explanation of the project. The story of Isatou identifying the problem of plastic bag litter and then her creating an effective solution was inspiring. I even started a similar project in my village after being trained by Peggy! I highly recommend this timely and engaging book.

I have to admit that I am partial to this book. I was actually serving in Peace Corp in The Gambia when Peggy (mentioned in book) was also serving. Peggy is the one that started the women's group that this book is written about. I LOVE the fact that the women's group is flourishing like it is😊

I crochet so I like it was about crocheting from strips of plastic bags. I like that it was beautifully illustrated and multicultural.

There are so many things I love about this book. First, the story about an incredible woman who used her vision and intelligence to start an enterprise that teaches young woman so many skills. Then the way the story is told by a very gifted writer. And to top it off, the illustrations are beautiful. This books transcends age and gender and race, it will appeal to any audience, and can be used with young children to teach them early the importance of recylcling and protecting our environment everywhere.

Love, love, love this book! Isatou is truly an amazing woman and her story needed to be told. Thanks to author Miranda Paul for bringing Isatou Ceesay's story to the hands of children across America! I've found that the story is engaging for a wide range of students (1-8 so far, have not read it to high schoolers yet) and the illustrations are bright and colorful for little ones as well. A simply told story of how one person can stand up and make big change if they have the determination. A great addition to any school or classroom library!

Kids and adults alike will connect with Miranda Paul's uplifting story about a brave woman determined to make a difference in her community. Paul's lyrical language and Zunon's colorful, textured illustrations make this book a work of art. Curious readers will enjoy detailed back matter, including maps, photos, glossary and timeline. Highly recommended!

I might have enjoyed reading this book with my daughter... I needed to purchase this book for her summer reading and chose to purchase the Kindle version to access on my Kindle app. The print was so small it was too hard for a 1st grader to read. After some time trying to figure out how to adjust the font size, there just was NO FONT ICON available for this book, nor was there an option to look at one page at a time. A waste of money.

I purchased this book for to read to my 2nd grade class. They really enjoyed this story. This book really makes you think about all the plastic bags polluting our planet.

A wonderful book that I love for its setting, repetition, and message. We used this at our Girl Scout meeting to talk about what one person can do to recognize a problem, be brave enough to try a new solution, and take action.

Ideal read aloud for Earth Day!

I read this, aloud, for 6 classes of Science student. That means over 140 students. Then they were challenged to create a product from plastic bags/trash. The inspiration they derived from the book came alive in their ideas. It became a spark!

Third grade students loved this story of Isatou Ceesay and her creative recycling campaign. They were able to make lots of connections to their own lives, and got truly interested in how life in The Gambia is both different and the same. A great story about recycling and community change!

beautiful story! with strong teaching lessons for kids.

An amazing story with an important message. We are plastic-oriented and dominated users, which is destroying the world. We need to consider our impact on the world, hopefully future generations will read this book and take action.

Great book to get kids, and their adults, thinking of the consequences of garbage vs reusing and recycling.

Good illustration of solving a problem because of personal need and circumstances. Also good timeline that shows solutions are not immediate and the result of one person on their own, but rather working together brings results over time.

I can't say enough good things about this beautifully illustrated book. It's one you will want to read aloud over and over. You are drawn in immediately to the Gambia setting and taken along on a journey of this remarkable woman and how she transformed her community in this inspirational true story that proves one person can make a difference.

I loved this story so much I bought it as a Christmas present for a child.

really LOVE this book

Beautiful book that helps kids understand their impact on the environment.

Every one can find a way to recycle! This little girl was amazing!

This book is amazing-great for kids of all ages. I was truly moved and my daughter loves it.

This book was very good and it had wonderful ideas for reusing plastic bags.

Bought new. Came with half of the pages ripped.

Fantastic book!

Amazing book

Great story - read it to kindergarteners before doing a re-use/ art project including using plastic bags

A simple storytelling that makes you very proud of one woman's fight to change something.

Ana Excellent and thoughtfully written story.

Important moral about Reduce - Reuse - Recycle, but seemingly disconnected from life in the developed world though the ethics are relevant.

It is a nice story about the environment and recycling. I wish I would get a bag to show when I tell the story.

Great book about a great woman!

I have to admit that when I first started to read this book I was ready to put it down--"It's going to try to teach me that baskets are better than plastic," I thought. I was wrong. Instead, it allowed me (the reader) to go on a journey where I felt bad as the area became more and more cluttered with trash, and then I discover the value of using existing trash to make beautiful things. In the process, I figured out that baskets are better than plastic bags. I'm much happier reading this book with my granddaughter than I thought it would be. I can hear the discussions we are going to have in my mind. (We live 3,000 miles apart, but I'll see her in a month or so.) But that doesn't make this a 5-star book. Add in the beautiful illustrations and the use of foreign words in context so that readers understand their meaning. Add in backmatter that makes for interesting discussion. Add in the tension that rises and lowers as the story progresses.

One Plastic Bag was a very stirring, memorable story based on real-life events. There were so many things that I absolutely loved about this picture book. First, I thought the collages were very cool. I loved the mixture of colors with lively patterns and how they blended a variety of surfaces together in a way that had me running my fingertips over the pages and imagining their many textures. I also loved reading the handful of native words in the Gambian region. I very much appreciated the glossary/pronunciation guide in the back of the book to help me say them correctly as I was reading. Together, they were such a beautiful complement to the already intriguing pictures. The Timeline and For Further Reading sections were a warm surprise. I really enjoyed seeing these unexpected references as well as the real-life pictures the book was based on. I thought they were definitely a nice addition to an already captivating sensation. Finally, the story itself was just amazing and inspiring for me. I loved how the way plastic was seen changed and then changed again despite what others thought. For me, the mockery of some felt like the biggest drawback of the whole situation. In light of that, I think my favorite part of it all would have to be how One Plastic Bag was able to impart how satisfying it is to have faith in yourself and what can be.

This is a beautifully illustrated book about how one woman in Gambia, West Africa decided to reduce the amount of plastic bags littering the area and killing animals when they ate them by crocheting items out of the plastic and selling them. I think that the book shows the problems from the plastic bag pollution and how one woman helped to change the situation. This book would be great in elementary school and middle school libraries to use when teaching about pollution and recycling. I have crocheted items from plastic bags and the plastic is not as gentle and comfortable to knit with as yarn or fabric. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I highly recommend it.

Isatou held her head up high and soon would close in on Nijau, her village. Raindrops fell all around her, but soon her palm-leaf basket would tumble to the ground to mix with the rain and dirt. Isatou’s fruit was scattered about the ground, but there was no way to carry it. There was some “strange fabric” dancing in the wind, a fabric that would hold her fruit. Her palm-leaf basket would be left behind to “crumble and mix back in with the dirt.” Grandmother Mbombeh frowned at the sight of Isatou’s strange fabric bag. “Plastic,” she exclaimed, “There’s more in the city.” The plastic bag didn’t last and soon Isatou left it behind. The bags seemed to multiply with blue ones, red one, clear ones, and even purple. There were more and more because “one plastic bag becomes two ... then ten ... then a hundred.” The years passed by and Isatou found herself to be a woman, hardly noticing “the ugliness around her.” The goats had begun eating those very bags, the ugliness she had passed by, and were dying. The goats were foraging in the garbage, eating the bags. Isatou began collecting the bags, but what would she do with them? This is the amazing story of Isatou, a young woman who empowered others by looking for solutions. Isatou Cheesay watched as garbage began to overtake and destroy Njau, Gambia. Rather than ignore it, she began to gather up the ugliness and turned it into a thing of beauty, “recycled plastic purses.” Other women began to crochet and Isatou’s solution began to reclaim her village. Young students will enjoy learning about her journey in an expanded author’s note. There is a photograph of Isatou and some other women of Njau. In the back of the book is an index, a “Wolof Glossary and Pronunciation Guide, a Timeline (1970s to 2014), and additional recommended book resources to explore. This book courtesy of the publisher.

Brilliant and beautiful! ONE PLASTIC BAG: ISATOU CEESAY AND THE RECYCLING WOMEN OF THE GAMBIA captures the usefulness of recycling in beautiful illustration and brilliant prose. Plastic bags can cause deadly harm as explained in this non-fiction picture book written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon. Yet, the bags can be turned into a positive when recycled as Isatou Ceesay and the women of her Gambian village discover. Their story is one of inspiration and hope that us humans can make a huge impact on saving our planet if we put our minds to it. Simply told and elegantly illustrated, ONE PLASTIC BAG packs a punch. I encourage everyone who reads thi review, to buy this book, share the book and spread the word. The world needs more books like this to inspire the younger generation to rise above what the older generations have done. Exceptional children's literature published by Millbrook Press.

Though the book feels like an outsider looking in, which it is of course, and therefore a bit heavy handed, the story is amazing and the pictures beautiful. It is inspiring to hear how Issau solves a problem with industry. I wonder if the motivations were as altruistic as ascribed, or the entrepreneurial drive was modified for the story, but either way the message is clear: one person can make a difference.

This is an inspiring true story about the actions of a group of women in Gambia who work together to reduce plastic waste problems in their community. The kids really enjoyed this story. The colorful collage-based illustrations work well with the text. It can be used to discuss many issues, including how one person's actions can make a difference, how persistently striving to reach goals in the face of adversity can pay off, and of course environmental issues & recycling.

I homeschool a 4th grade girl. I've previewed the book and loved it. Especially love the timeline, pronounciation guide to the words written in the local language, and extra resource list. PERFECT for my 4th grader. It's say it would suit any elementary school child all the way through Junior High.

I just read an advance copy (in the form of an F&G) of this book, and it is amazing. This is a beautiful, inspiring, true story. The text is spare and effective--my favorite sentence is, "She knows too much to ignore it now." Most of the writing is concrete and lovely: "It moves like a flag, flapping in the wind, and settles under a tamarind tree." Miranda Paul brings Gambia to life through all the senses, and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon combines engaging, colorful art and photos of the purses made of recycled plastic bags. Let kids learn how one young person can change the world for the better! (Review copy provided by the publisher.)

This is the inspiring story of Isatou Ceesay who saw a problem in her community and turned it into an opportunity. Mounds of trash, especially discarded plastic bags, were everywhere. They were an eyesore and a health hazard. When the families pet goat ate a bag and died, she knew she had to do something. She transformed the discarded bags into a way to make money, not just for herself but for other women.

i have one issue with the book ... there is no way to make the font bigger ... at the end there are several bits that would be really awesome if you could ENLARGE it ... i had to get out my magnifying glass to really get there ... i was reading from a kindle .. i am thinking that might be the issue??! not sure?

A beautifully told story about the courage and determination of Isatou Ceesay in Gambia, who realizes that the rubbish building around her is dangerous. Through Isatou's unique approach, plastic bags become fewer and self confidence rises. I love the story, the lyrical language and the delightful illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon. Highly recommended not only as a wonderful story but also for its inspirational character and its message of caring for our environment. Read it once and you will want to read it again and again. Top pick.

This is such a fantastic book. Miranda brings the world together by giving children a peek into the world of the women of Gambia, and raises awareness of ecological issues at the same time. Masterful and inspiring. Great for parents to read to kids. I did. And, I hope that teachers all over use their classes.

Here is a book that is fascinating for children AND inspiring. Looking for a book that will SHOW kids (rather than tell them) that one person can indeed make a big difference in the world? This is your book. Looking for a book to start discussions about recycling and environmental issues? This is your book. Want a book that is fun to read out loud and gorgeously illustrated? Again, this is your book. Look no further.

This is the true story of how one person made a huge difference in the world. Actual photos are included of the women in the story. In Gambia plastic bags were thrown away when no longer usable or needed. As anywhere that created a pollution problem, but it was also a danger to the health of the people and caused the death of some of their animals. One day a woman there came up with an idea of how to reuse plastic bags. The impact her initiative made is very impressive. This is a story that shows young readers how the smallest efforts can make a great impact of change.

I've read this book several times over the last several months, and each time it delights me more. It's a non-fiction picture book that reads like a story--a triumphant story of one woman who sees a problem and finds a way to solve it. Better yet, it is a true story! The collage illustrations help tell the story, giving color, texture, and expression to the pages. This book clearly shows that one person CAN make a difference. It will also make readers of all ages more aware of environmental issues.

Wow! This book is incredibly empowering for young readers. Isatou confronts a seemingly insurmountable problem by taking action one step at a time, proving that one person and positive actions matter. Miranda Paul presents Isatou's story in an accessible and uplifting manner. Highly recommended.

This is a beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated story about one woman's attempt to change the world, and how she actually did. The text is simple enough for young kids to understand, and there is a satisfying repetition of phrases that will help kids anticipate what's to come.

This is a good book for kids to read about recycling. I read it on my Kindle (7" ), but I think it would be easier to read in physical form or on a larger Kindle.

This is a great story to share during Earth Day, but also year-round! Children need to be reminded that one person can most certainly make a difference for our planet.

This teaches the dangers of plastic bags and the joy of keeping the Earth free of them. Plastic bags cause many problems after they are dumped. This is a true story of how plastic bags are made into purses, helping the Earth, the animals and the people. It is in language that will be easy enough for young children to understand but interesting enough for older children.

Fantastic (and true) story about what one person can do to make a difference in her community and even further now that her story has reached across the world. The illustrations are bright and the story, captivating.

When you have a problem, there is always a solution. This is the amazing story of the difference one woman can make to solve her village's growing mound of garbage. Isatou, a visionary young Gambian woman puts her mind and hands to use as she turns her problem into a product. Soon, her entire village is transformed!

This is a great story not just a great ecology story. It’s a story like all the best “find a solution” reads. There’s the problem of too many plastic bags and what one village did to solve it.

I read it to my son, and he liked because it teach that you can make something beautiful from recycling.

This story is beautifully illustrated and elegantly told. It inspires you to "be the change." It gives tangible ideas for simple solutions to overwhelming problems faced by these small, seemingly helpless villages. Both children and adults can easily relate to this story, and be moved to tackle unusual challenges in life in very creative ways. We are not too small or insignificant. We are powerful. Thank you to Miranda Paul for writing this book!

interesting story and beautiful artwork

Beautiful illustrations and a powerful message of how one person can make a positive impact on her community. Relatable and empowering for children.

As soon as I read a very early draft of this manuscript, I knew it was meant for big things. Love this story of hard work, hope and how one woman has literally been the change she wanted to see in the world.

Wonderful book to discuss various themes with my 1st grader. From sustainability, creativity, community, culture, entrepreneurship, empathy, to female leadership. Lovely, inspiring true story with helpful back matter that lends itself to so many classroom projects.

Who knew repurposing trash bags could change your life. What a awesome lesson. Excellence lesson for all ages. Super book.

Beautiful story. "People thought I was too young and that women couldn't be leaders. I took these things as challenges; they gave me more power. I didn't call out the problems-- I called out solutions." Isatou Ceesay.

Miranda Paul is an incredible author. She is planting seeds of change and for that, I'm grateful!

This is a book everyone should read. It’s not just for kids but adults too. We shall understand every actions counts. And event a smallest act help to make this earth a better place.

Although we want picture books to be educational and hope that they will have a positive and inspiring message, we also need them to be beautiful and engaging. Author Miranda and illustrator Zunon have scored a home run with 'One Plastic Bag'. As an educator and as a parent, I HIGHLY recommend this book for every school classroom, every library, and every child's personal bookshelf. One person can make a difference - and our children need to hear this incredible story. Vivian Kirkfield Author - Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

Perfect to read alongside our Geography topic. It’s actually Oceans, but a major part is plastic pollution, and it’s so good for the children to see some solutions, as well as relate to and learn about how people live in other countries.

Educational and beautifully produced book

Great assembly really inspired children

So inspiring. It made me cry. People making accessories out of rubbish is such a strong message.