THE LAST STRAW

An environmental story for kids and adults.

MEET SIPPY, THE WORLD'S LAST PLASTIC STRAW

Sippy, a plastic straw who was used once and discarded, is concerned by his own existence when he realizes he can't be recycled. As he flies, floats and flutters around the planet he meets animals who are struggling with the plastic problem. He chats with a raccoon with a six-pack ring around her neck, a cardinal whose nest is made entirely of junk, turtles who confuse grocery bags with food, a hermit crab forced to live in a plastic cap, and a startled duck who runs around with a bag on her head. Finally, Sippy is swallowed by a hungry whale--who is dining on ocean trash! Just when all hope seems lost, he skyrockets to freedom and provides the reader with alternatives to single-use plastics. This colorful adventure raises awareness of the impact of plastics upon nature, and teaches children how they can avoid contributing to the problem.

“The Last Straw is a lovely book - a sweet eco-tale rendered in obsessive, passionate detail. It could signal a new genre of kids books, the environmental fairy tale.”

—BARRY BLITT
Illustrator, Pulitzer Prize Recipient 2020

A powerful lesson wrapped in endless charm, Zoe Matthiessen’s “The Last Straw” is beautifully conceived, written and illustrated. You can read it to rapt children or read it alone in your den. It’s that good, that important.

—RON HAUGE
Emmy winning television writer (The Simpsons, Seinfeld)

“BRAVO for Sippy, the straw who rails against the very real evils of plastic pollution in this irresistible picture book! Zoe Matthiessen's appealing art, funny rhymes, and essential message are all right on target. The Last Straw will inspire even the littlest of readers to help stem the tide of plastic trash and save the lives of the millions of animals literally caught up in our toxic mess.”

—SY MONTGOMERY
Naturalist and author of The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

“This book is a triumph. Zoe Matthiessen has given us a luminous, witty story that accomplishes the seemingly impossible feat of turning our destructive dependence on single-use plastic into a narrative that is easy to grasp and discuss . . . with our kids and everyone else. It is brave, brainy, a strong moral statement and stunningly beautiful! An instant classic.”

—STEVE BRODNER
Independent Illustrator, Journalist, Educator

"For several years now I've been a fan of Zoe's environmental drawings and her mastery of pen and ink. To see this project come to fruition is a wonderful thing and I hope this book motivates others to care for our planet a little bit more."

—TIM O’BRIEN
Illustrator, Educator and President of the Society of Illustrators

"Kids—or really anybody—interested in the environment will enjoy The Last Straw's witty words and luscious art. Zoe Matthiessen is a top talent, truly one-of-a kind."

—MICHAEL GERBER
Editor & Publisher, The American Bystander

“Through her illustration and verse, Zoe gets us to look directly to what we’re doing when we throw away plastic, through the endearing character of Sippy the plastic straw, and all the animals we encounter. Take a cue from Sippy on the last page, “What can you and your family do to use less plastic?” There are some great tips there which are not difficult to implement.”

—BRAD MEHLDAU
Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger

VISIT THE SITE FOR MORE DETAILS

8”X10” HARDCOVER
PRINTED IN CANADA ON RECYCLED MATERIALS AND MATERIAL FROM WELL-MANAGED FORESTS.

ISBN: 9781623174637 ISBN-10: 1623174635
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Distributor: Penguin / Random House
Publication Date: January 5th, 2021
Pages: 32
Recommended Reading Level: 7-10 years
Categories Juvenile Fiction / Recycling & Green Living Juvenile Fiction / Science & Nature / Environment Juvenile Fiction / Animals

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