George Saves the World by Lunchtime

by Jo Readman, Ley Honor Roberts (Illustrator)

George is determined to save the world by lunchtime, but he’s not quite sure how. Grandpa suggests they start by recycling the yogurt container from his breakfast, putting his banana peel in the compost pile, and hanging the laundry to dry in the sun. A bike trip to the recycling center, charity shop, and local farmers’ market show how recycling and reusing materials—as well as using less gas and buying local produce—can really help save the world. George even gets a favorite toy fixed! Highly original and eye-catching illustrations combine painting and photographs to draw children into the world of recycling.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about an adventurous and energetic young boy named George who wakes up one morning and decides to save the world. With a little help from his Grandpa and little sister, George makes it his mission to save the world by lunch time. George is at first in a hurry to get on with his adventure and wants to rush outside after breakfast but his patient and wise Granpda helps him realize that everything we do even in our own homes can help save the world. George soon realizes there are other ways to save the world besides fighting bad guys and killing monsters, which can be just as much fun. George is delighted to discover how he can recycle, repair toys and what fun rubbish can be! George has an action packed day and there are excellent visual aids and extra information on what happens to our recyclable goods and how we can reuse our food to feed the soil and organisms.

There are colourful and informative illustrations that give the book a childlike feel. This book has been written from a child’s perspective which makes it a more fun and explorative read. Each child can also relate to George as at first he wasn’t too sure how much fun saving the world could be just by composting. This book would be excellent for KS 1 to use as an environmental school project, creative games, oral stories and independent reading. It would be a useful resource to compliment other curriculum requirements beyond literacy such as Science, Political Social Health and Citizenship education. The language is direct and easy to understand with illustrations which can be used effectively on the interactive whiteboard.

[Charlie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about the 4 R’s - Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Repair. George turns your average day into a world saving and changing day. He’s a great little guy and could be a source of inspiration for all.

Lots of opportunities for cross curricular work and eco-friendly ideas that are really easy to do anywhere and everywhere as a group or individually.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time where we need to be more conscientious and hypervigilant about our planet, this book would be great to share with all year groups. The illustrations are mixed media which is fantastic and helps to make the message less of a story and more real- saving the world is everyone's responsibility and we need to work together to do so!

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book about wanting to save the world and how the best way to actually do this is by looking after the planet.

Didn’t know there are now 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle AND Repair!

Classroom ideas:

• How will you look after the Earth activity: Children had to write a short sentence then draw in 6 boxes how they will care for the Earth.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking the idea from the hero movies of today, which seem to come out every other day, and changing it to an environmental message where every kid can save the world, one recycled item at a time, is not just clever, it is done really well, and is a good read. A good idea well executed.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

will lead to interesting discussions about how we can help save the planet with small actions

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Saves the World by Lunchtime by Jo Readman, illustrated by Ley Honor Roberts –Fantastic earth saving actions reviewed over a day. Great illustrations partnered with the text.