When Old Becomes New: Turning Junk Into Joy

By Jessica Stremer

Imagination meets science and engineering in this inspiring nonfiction picture book about the myriad possibilities of repurposing old objects.

Fabric. Cardboard. Plastic. With a little creativity, these everyday materials can be reused in surprising new ways... An old water bottle becomes part of the wall of a school, while a disassembled wind turbine transforms into playground equipment. It's not magic--it's recycling

Award-winning author Jessica Stremer takes a kid friendly approach to exploring how we use discarded products at the end of their lifecycle to reduce waste and keep the planet healthy. From household goods to objects used in global industries, repurposing can have a big environmental impact.

Gorgeous double-page spreads capture how the OLD (plastic bottles, rubber tires, seatbelts) becomes NEW (ecobricks, playground mulch, a hammock), encouraging kids to consider how even the most unexpected items can be reused. Back matter elaborates on the different upcycling methods featured and includes a DIY activity for kids to repurpose items found in their home.

Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823460525
• ISBN13: 9780823460526
• Release Date: October 2026
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3