Sounds of Trash from Steamworks

 

Sounds of Trash

by Tina Athaide

Illustrated by Neha Rawat

Expected Publication August, 2026

Charlesbridge

Fiction

Hardcover

40 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary From Publisher 

Join Pran and his friends in an exploration of sound and the engineering design process, because STEAM is everywhere and for everyone!

Part of STEAMWORKS, a series of fiction picture books for ages 4-7 that relate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to kids’ everyday lives.

When Pran and his friends learn that the neighborhood block party is moved to the park where it won’t have music, they are determined to find a way for it to be part of the celebration. After some trial and error, and more than a few prototypes made from recyclables, they are ready to engineer their way to a jazzy, bhangra-filled day!

Extend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about sound and the engineering design process and fun STEAM activities.

STEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.

My Thoughts

Teachers are always asking me for picture books that show examples of using teamwork to reach a goal. This is one I will be recommending. Pran and pals use recycled items to make items that make musical sounds. Throughout the book, readers are exposed to musical vocabulary such as bhangra, vibration, twang, percussion, and more. 

The backmatter contains a short glossary and information about the science of sound. A visual cycle of an engineering design process shows readers how engineers design and modify designs. Then, readers are given suggestions to expand on the content of the books by counting, playing, and exploring further.  

Characters are depicted with various skin colors and features, suggesting that they are different races and from various cultures. 

Image from Amazon.com

Sounds of Trash is a great book to read any time, but especially during units on recycling, Earth Day, neighborhoods, and music. 

I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience by Brook M. Thompson

I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience 

by Brook M. Thompson

Illustrated by Anatsasia Khmelevska

Published March, 2025

From Heyday

Hardcover

Picture Book 

Summary (from Storygraph)

For young readers, an inspiring story about a river, a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist.
Growing up in the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Brook Thompson learned to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family. She knew that along the Klamath River in Northern California, salmon and lampreys are a needed part of life. But she also saw how these fish were in danger. People had built dams along the Klamath River, making it very hard for salmon and lampreys to live. Tribal people and their friends organized to have four of the dams removed, and they won. In I Love Salmon and Lampreys, Thompson tells this inspiring tale, and she shares how it motivated her to become a scientist. Featuring adorable illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska, as well as fun facts about salmon and lampreys, this is a stirring story about stewarding nature for the generations to come.

This book exposes readers to many different things. Readers will read a story of how tribal people fought for the safety of the salmon and the closing of several electric dams. They will learn factual information about salmon and lampreys as well as cultural information about how native ancestors have protected the river and the fish for generations.  The book is based on real life events of the native author who is also part of the neurodivergent community and has dyslexia. The font, Open Dyslexic, is used for the text of the book. This font is designed to make reading words easier for people with dyslexia. 

I Love Salmon and Lampreys is perfect for spring and Earth Day!