The characters

FORMING THE COAST CARE CREW

tHE lOCAL SURFERS JOIN THE CREW

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Tell the story of Nalani! 

This heartwarming book follows 12-year-old Nalani, who is devastated to find her beloved beach overflowing with plastic and trash. 

Inspired by her ancestors' care for nature, she takes action, forming the Coast Care Crew with her friends Mateo and Aya to clean up the shore. Their efforts attract attention, including help from a group of surfers led by Larry, who are also affected by the floating debris. 

They even encounter a grumpy old fisherman who initially doubts their efforts, but a significant storm intervenes, demonstrating the overwhelming impact of pollution. 

Ultimately, the children's vision and persistence inspire the entire community to join the cleanup as a collective project. 

"Nalani & the Coast Care Crew" isn't just a story; it's a call to action! The book emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment, specifically addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution in the oceans and its impact on marine life and human health. 

It teaches about the power of collective action and community involvement, showing that even young people can make a significant difference through small, consistent actions like picking up litter or advocating for environmental protection. 

It highlights the need to respect and appreciate the natural world. 

The book instills themes of teamwork, resilience, and environmental stewardship. This is a key part of the book's message.

• Environmentalism/ Ocean Conservation: Focuses on protecting the natural world and combating pollution.
  Similar to themes in What a Waste, Billie the Octopus, The Brilliant Deep, We Are Water Protectors, Flipflopi: How a Boat Made From Flip-Flops Is Helping to Save the Ocean, The Last Seaweed Pie. 

• Community Spirit / Collective Action / Teamwork: Highlights how individuals and a community come together for a common goal.
  Similar to themes in Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles, Clean Up!, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, A Symphony of Whales, The Can Caravan. 

• Young Heroes / Kids Making a Difference: Features children taking initiative and leading change, proving "no one is too young to make a difference".
  Similar to themes in The Curious Garden, The Lorax, We Are Water Protectors, Something Happened to Our Planet, Coco's Fire, You Are Unstoppable!, Afterglow, The Greening Book, The Michael Recycle series, Not for Me Please, One Plastic Bag, When the Storks Came Home. 

• Overcoming Obstacles / Resilience: Shows the protagonists facing challenges, including opposition from naysayers, to achieve their goal.
  Similar to themes in Little Turtle and the Sea, The Last Garden, The Tree of Hope. 

• Nature vs. Humans: Explores the impact of human actions (pollution) on the natural environment (ocean, marine life) and how nature (the storm) can highlight these issues. 

BOOK FAIRS

Empowering Young Readers to Protect the Ocean: 

An Interview with Rochelle Strauss

Picture Books to Inspire Environmental Justice Seekers