One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

Introducing the Team

Meet the talented author and illustrator behind One Plastic Bag, whose words and illustrations bring Isatou Ceesay’s inspiring story of environmental action, recycling and community change to life.

Miranda Paul

Author

Miranda Paul is a celebrated American author of children's literature, known for her extensive collection of books aimed at young audiences. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia, released in 2015, recounts the authentic narrative of Isatou Ceesay and the recycling initiative she inspired within her community in The Gambia. Paul’s narrative emphasizes significant themes such as environmental awareness, persistence, community involvement, and the empowerment of women.

Elizabeth Zunon

Ilustrator 

Elizabeth Zunon is a distinguished illustrator who was raised in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and now resides in the United States. Her West African heritage greatly influences her artistic style in the book. Zunon employs vibrant mixed-media collages that include actual plastic bags and recycled materials to depict the Gambian context and enhance the book's environmental message. Her lively textures, patterns, and colours create a visually captivating experience for young readers.

Meet Our Main Character

Isatou Ceesay is a Gambian community activist who noticed plastic waste scattered around her surroundings and begins to think about how it is affecting people, animals and the environment. This observation becomes the starting point for her journey to create change.

Where Our Story Takes Place

The Gambia is a small country in West Africa, that has faced challenges with plastic waste and limited waste-management systems. 

Plastic with a Purpose

Isatou Ceesay and the women in her community decided to give discarded plastic bags a new purpose instead of letting them pollute their environment. They collected, cleaned and creatively recycled the plastic into colourful, reusable bags and purses. This simple idea helped reduce waste while creating useful products and new opportunities for local women.

“One person’s idea can inspire an entire community to create change.”

⭐ Before You Explore...

What do you think happens when plastic bags are thrown away?

Share your prediction!
Think about where the plastic might go, who or what it could affect, and what might happen over time.

 

Watch the Story

Watch the Storytime Read-Aloud and follow Isatou Ceesay’s inspiring journey of resilience, innovation and change.