A woman sets an example of how to keep the world clean in Martha Goldner’s picture book Litter Lady Leads in a Litter-Filled Land.

Litter Lady is “old and caring.” She has a cane with a pointed tip that allows her to pick up litter wherever she sees it, and she disposes of gum wrappers, tissues, soda cans, and other debris at movie theaters, beaches, sidewalks, and other locations. She also provides chocolate chip cookies from her oversized handbag to a group of children who narrate the story. After many instances of Litter Lady cleaning, the children see her at a bus stop, looking unwell. The kids offer to help and decide that together they will make the world “a brighter, happier place!”

Litter Lady is the narrative’s central figure, but she never speaks directly and, thus, is viewed from an emotional distance. The story casts her as a hero, but her motivations aren’t always as clear or compelling as they could be. More than once, the children say, “She can’t help it. Litter Lady likes to clean up.” Later, the children wonder, “How can Litter Lady enjoy herself when she is always cleaning up other people’s messes?” By casting her as someone who has no choice but to clean up, as if driven by some inner compulsion, the author weakens the power of her cooperative message. Additionally, there’s not much mention or appreciation of the areas Litter Lady cleans looking better after her work.

The hand-drawn, colored illustrations sometimes lack polish, particularly regarding the characters’ hands and fingers, and limited expression in Litter Lady’s face—her eyes are hidden behind glasses— prevents her from being a relatable character.

Overall, while the book offers numerous examples of how and where to clean up litter, a less muddled message about motivation would enhance this work.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.