One Little Bag, written by Henry Cole, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: The interesting opening to this book shows the evolution of a tree being cut in a forest to becoming paper and ultimately a paper bag. The pencil illustrations in black and white with the tree in brown is an excellent way demonstrate the mechanics of the process of turning wood into paper. The illustrations then tell the story without words. It is powerful, fun and informative. The story begins with a boy and his lunch bag on the table at school and follows with the boy getting older but with a paper bag in each depiction. The bag holds marshmallows while he is camping, tools while working on a car and, as he grows older and goes to college, aids him as he courts a young woman. A bag is with the couple as their relationship grows. A paper bag holds a ring as the young man proposes, flower petals to be strewn down the aisle for their wedding and acts as a mobile over their baby’s crib. As the couple grows old a paper bag is in each illustration as the now old man spends time with his grandchild. The juxtaposed paper bag and young boy growing old really works well in telling the story. The ending is sweet and beautiful. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great book for discussing the topics of recycling, nature, family, aging and relationships.