A thoughtful and environmentally conscious picture book about friendship, teamwork, and caring for the world around us.
Set once again in Flamingo Park, Miami Beach, Chapman’s latest in the Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure series follows the duo and their energetic friend Mr. Squirrel as a small discovery turns into a larger lesson about pollution and responsibility. Mr. Squirrel uncovers what he believes is a rare treasure; a discarded plastic lid. But the friends soon realize that litter can be dangerous to animals and harmful to their home.
Chapman approaches environmental themes with warmth and restraint, allowing the story to unfold naturally through the curiosity and interactions of her characters. The pacing remains gentle and accessible for younger readers, balancing humor with meaningful moments of concern and reflection. The emotional turning point arrives when the animals work together to create a silent protest using the park’s trash, a scene that conveys both urgency and hope without becoming overly heavy-handed. Natalia Loseva’s soft tropical palette and expressive animal characters create a welcoming visual world that complements the story’s compassionate tone.
A warm and engaging read for children learning about environmental stewardship, and a strong addition to school and public library collections focused on nature, kindness, and community responsibility.
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Gourmet Dog LLC
Pub date April 15, 2020
ISBN 978-1734542912
Price $20.74 Hardcover, $13.78 Paperback, $3.99 Kindle edition
