About the Book After Marina throws away the plastic wrapper on her sandwich, the plastic goes on a journey to disturb a series of sea creatures before, later, washing up on a beach where Marina and her family are playing. This experience is Marinas introduction to the harmfulness of single-use plastics, lighting a spark within her to learn more and do more to help the planet-- Book Synopsis After Marina throws away the plastic wrapper on her sandwich, the plastic goes on a journey to disturb a series of sea creatures before, later, washing up on a beach where Marina and her family are playing. This experience is Marinas introduction to the harmfulness of single-use plastics, lighting a spark within her to learn more and do more to help the planet. Review Quotes Byrds enthusiastic descriptions of a child eating lunch take a serious turn when the sandwichs plastic wrapper drifts out to sea. Marina, whos portrayed with tan skin in Meissners animation-style art, responsibly disposes of her trash, but when the wrapper flies free from a garbage truck and lands in the sea, it disturbs various ocean creatures enacting human-like activities. It scared a turtle taking her/ nap, and once she was woke, / she couldnt go back, and bothers others including a singing, bow-tie-clad clownfish and racing penguins. Throughout, the wrapper, which bears the label Marina, provides a searchable visual amid spongy underwater scenes. When Marina makes the unlikely discovery that the wrapper has washed ashore nearby, the teachable moment resounds with a declaration from Mom (Plastic doesnt ever really go away) and family attempts at change. Back matter includes pollution statistics and light suggestions for ways kids can help. - Publishers Weekly This picture book drives home the reality that plastic never really goes away by having a discarded sandwich bag return to the little girl who threw it away in the first place. The story starts with little Marinas mother making her a sandwich for school and putting it in a plastic wrapper with Marinas name on it. Once Marina throws away the plastic in a trash bin, the wrappers adventures begin, moving from bin to truck to trash dump--and then, when the wind picks up, into the sea. Byrd opts for the comical when showing the effects of plastic in the sea (for example, an old shrimp thinks the floating plastic is a UFO). Eventually, the plastic floats to the surface and drifts to the edge of a plastic-choked beach where the little girl is shocked to find the bag with her name on it. The resolution includes advice like starting small by using paper bags, while two ending sections, Ocean Plastic Facts and Ocean Plastic Solutions, add information to this relatable title. -- Connie Fletcher About the Author Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning childrens book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 68, Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his energy toward his deepest love: making stories for youth and families with a focus on supporting diverse creators and #own voices material. Hes written six childrens books and helped produce over 40 others as an editor, art director, and publishing consultant. Jesse is based in Los Angeles, CA.