Trashy Town

Time Machine
What A Great Book! We All Love It!, April 14, 2005

One of the things that early childhood educators say is important for young children is to be exposed to poems and other rhythmic literature. And it is, they tell us, helpful for kids to learn to recite. It is for these and other reasons that I really, really like this book. Not only is the artwork fun and `cleanly' charming, but the topic is interesting to children and the words are just repetitive enough to make it a great read... and a great recite!

For example, we will be out fooling around in the yard and someone will simply yell, "Is the trash truck full yet?" and the rest of us (including hubby) will shout yes or no; and then we will be off reciting the whole piece. show more What better evidence than that and the constant calls for `again, again' can you provide to prove that a book is good.

Note: The other commentator was correct. I think that the age ranges are incorrect. I would think 6 and under would be more appropriate. show less

A good choice for read-alouds with young readers. The repetition of Mr. Gilly's refrain will allow children to participate and be actively engaged in the story. The illustrations are bold and use bright colors. A good book for any child interested in trucks, or perhaps for a unit on different jobs/careers.

Trashy Town is about a man named Mr. Gilly who goes around the town picking up the garage bins in order to keep the town in order and looking beautiful. This book has a lot of repetition, so it is great for young and emerging readers who need the repetition to help and support their reading.

This book could be used to introduce different types of jobs in a community. What would happen if trash pick up never happened? This could also be an introduction to a landfill conversation, which could then lead into the importance of recycling. This is a short and simple book that opens up multiple possibilities!

Clemesha, David and Zimmerman, Andrea. (1999). Trashy Town. New York: HarperCollins.

I liked this book because it would be a good book for a read aloud to have students talk about trash, and the responsibilities of Mr. Gilly. Also, when reading this book to students the teacher can tie in recycling to show how important it is to recycle. In addition, this book uses repetition to engage the readers and have them know what is going to happen next. Additionally, by using repetition the author is able to get the readers to pay attention to what is happening in the story and listeners will be able to interact with the story by saying the words with the reader as they repeat. Furthermore, the book uses third person narrative in the beginning of the story and shifts points of view toward the end of the story to first person show more narrative when Mr. Gilly finishes his job of cleaning up the trash in the town. The illustrations do a wonderful job at enhancing the text of the story by associating the text to other items that may be found in the places where the trash is picked up. For example, at the fire station there is also an illustration of a dalmation dog which some children may associate with a fire station. The main message of the book is that it teaches and demonstrates responsibility to individuals by showing how Mr. Gilly is responsible in the book because he does his job until it is done and then he takes care of himself by taking a bath to clean up. show less

The book is much better than the scholastic video. It has a great rhythm. Trash is a fascinating topic for a toddler.

A 2 dimensional book that follows a day in the life of a city garbage man.

Mr. Gilly, the trash collector, goes all around town filling up his garbage truck. Simple, yet colorful illustrations.