The 23rd Of October saw the official launch of The Rubbish Monster Thing, Simon Chadwick's new rhyming children's picture book about preventing waste, held at Totton Library. The book has been made possible by a grant from Hampshire County Council and tells the story of Elsie, a little girl who comes across a giant Rubbish Monster Thing made from the things that people throw away. It demands more waste from Elsie, but Elsie doesn't have anything to give it, and she shows the monster why.

 

An important lesson for young and old about how little everyday steps can make a difference, and there's the bonus that sharing a book with children so young helps them understand why this is such an important topic.

 

The launch began in the children's area of the library with a presentation from Hampshire County Council and a reading from Simon which he followed with some live drawing of the Rubbish Monster Thing. Then children were invited to do their own thing by either drawing themselves on the Waste Prevention Pledge or creating their own Rubbish Monster Thing as a drawing or with junk modelling. The room was packed, with some late arrivals having to spill out to an adjacent area.

 

Hampshire County Council ensured that every child attending left with a free copy of the book, signed by Simon.

 

If you'd like a copy of The Rubbish Monster Thing you can take it out from any of Hampshire County Council's libraries or you can buy a copy here.