When marine biologist, Pêgo, was a young girl, she collected fossils along the shore. Over time, she observed the destructive nature of plastics and their impact on our oceans and ocean life. This innovative and accessible text, co-authored with Minhós Martins, includes an opening chapter about the importance of oceans followed by a “field guide” with insights about the invasive species, “plasticus maritimus.” Subsequent sections provide suggestions to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics and to take action. Bound with cardboard, this outstanding informational text features detailed diagrams, colored pencil illustrations, tables, photographs, an author's note, and extensive back matter.

Ana Pêgo created a Facebook page, Plasticus Maritimus, and is involved in environmental education projects that combine art and science to raise awareness about ocean conservation. Isabel Minhós Martins graduated in Communication Design from Lisbon College of Fine Arts and co-founded the Portuguese publisher Planeta Tangerina.

Portuguese. Originally published in Portugal as Plasticus maritimus, uma espécie invasora by Planeta Tangerina in 2018. English translation by Jane Springer published in the United States by Greystone Books (Canada) in 2020.

“Clever…beguiling….Readers age 11 and older are likely to finish this book feeling both persuaded and uplifted. Beauty has a way of doing that.”
—Wall Street Journal

For young readers comes an imaginative guide to ocean plastics, filled with tips and tricks for identifying—and combating—pollution in our oceans.

Inspired by biologist AnaPêgo’s life’s work, and filled with engaging science and colorful photographs, this foundational look at plastic pollution in the ocean explains why it is such an urgent contemporary issue.

When she was young, Ana Pêgo didn’t play in a backyard, but on a beach. She walked along the shore, looked at tide pools, and collected fossils. As she grew older, Pêgo noticed a new species at the seaside: plastic. She decided to collect it, study it, and give it a Latin name—Plasticus maritimus—to warn people of its dangers to our planet.

Pêgo tells us how plastics end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, shares plastic’s chemical composition and physical properties, and offers a field guide to help readers identify and understand this new invasive species in all its forms, from the obvious (fishing nets and water bottles) to the unfamiliar (tiny, clear particles called microplastics). Finally, she offers a critical look at our current “solutions” to plastic contamination and in her most important proposal—REVOLUTIONIZE—calls for deep changes in our habits, motivating young and old alike to make a difference, together. An artificial and almost indestructible species, Plasticus maritimus deserves to have its days numbered! Together, we can send it packing.

“A cleverly conceived and comprehensive introduction to a serious issue.”—Kirkus Reviews

Honorable Mention—Bologna Ragazzi Award

Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.