“Our ocean is not a garbage can.” Simpler words couldn’t emphasize this powerful message more clearly. Tally the turtle and Ara the lobster are best friends. Ever since Tally saved Ara from a fisherman’s trap, the two have been inseparable. Good thing, too. When Grandma Turtle sends Tally and Ara to explore the Coral Reef, she warns the two about the dangerous plastic patch. Tally is too excited to be exploring the Coral Reef to take notice that she’s gone too far and she’s now in the dreaded plastic patch. Then, she gets tangled inside a plastic bag and needs someone to rescue her. Fortunately, Ara wasn’t as rambunctious as Tally and had heeded Grandma Turtle’s warning.

Serena Lane Ferrari’s picture book, Saving Tally: An Adventure into the Great Pacific Plastic Patch, is a clever way to teach young readers about the dangers of plastic and polluting our oceans. The plot follows Tally’s adventures into the Coral Reef, and how she learns the hard way how dangerous pollutants in the ocean can be. Told in simple language with lots of dialogue and bright, colorful illustrations, this story will appeal to young readers and those just learning to read. Using a question-and-answer scene between Grandma Turtle and Tally to launch the adventure (after all young people, like young turtles, are always full of questions), the discussion leaves open the chance of discovery as young readers will want to know more about this dangerous plastic patch.

Readers will soon be cheering for Tally and Ara as they take matters into their own hands and devise a plan to warn the polluters of the dangers being dumped in our oceans. As well as the ecological issues presented, this is also a good story about the bond of friendship and looking out for one another, as well as the importance of listening to our elders to avoid dangerous situations. This is both an engaging and educational read with a strong message about pollution.

Tally Turtle was a kind girl who had once saved a lobster from a fisherman’s trap. She took the lobster home to Granny Turtle in the Pacific Ocean, and they all became great friends. One day, Granny told Tally that it was time to go on an adventure because she was growing up, but warned Tally to steer clear of the plastic patch. Tally set off with her friend Ara and they made many friends along the way. But while having fun, she sighted a funny one-eyed creature peeping from the dark and went toward it. Ara warned Tally to stop, but she didn’t listen. Tally got lost and became enveloped by the plastic patch. She was in danger. Who would save her? Find out in Saving Tally: An Adventure into the Great Pacific Plastic Patch by Serena Lane Ferrari.

Saving Tally by Serena Lane Ferrari is a fun and educative story, perfect for children. However, adults can also learn some lessons from this picture book. I loved the cartoon-like illustration and appealing play of colors to hold the young reader's attention. Illustrator Giorgia Vallicelli did an exceptional job. It was also beautiful to see how Serena discussed a sensitive topic affecting our environment at the most basic level that any child will comprehend. This book teaches us to show kindness because the universe has a way of paying back. Tally saved the lobster, and Ara stepped up for her. It teaches us to show courage in the face of danger. We also learn that children must listen to instructions, even when curious. The top take-home from this book is about environmental and ocean protection. Children will learn how they put animals and sea creatures at risk through improper plastic disposal. We must learn to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover to minimize plastic waste.