GARBAGE ISLAND

In this series opener, a mouse and a shrew find themselves unlikely allies as they unite to save Garbage Island.

Part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the floating debris of Garbage Island hosts a community of assorted small animals. Under the leadership of Mr. Popli, a pragmatic mouse, Garbage Island’s citizens co-exist peacefully—except for risk-taking inventor Archie Shrew, who routinely puts his life and those of others in danger. After a disastrous episode with his latest invention, Archie’s barred from inventing for three months or faces banishment. Unable to control himself, Archie invents a telescope through which he spies archenemy Colubra, a massive snake, with an egg—which he secretly rescues from her lair. When Mr. Popli’s houseboat is severed from Garbage Island, he and Archie are set adrift with the mysterious egg and together face harrowing challenges including a fierce storm, an attacking swordfish, an island of voracious spiders, a marauding shark, and the unexpected hatching of that egg. Returning at last to Garbage Island, they confront their greatest challenge. The clever pairing of opposites adds humor, making the gradual emergence of friendship between steadfast Mr. Popli and flamboyant Archie all the sweeter. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations highlight key action.

Exciting, fast-paced adventure and unexpected friendship in a “trashy” venue.