Gifts from the Garbage Truck

A picture book about what we throw away, and why it might be worth keeping!

What if everywhere you looked, you saw something to make? Instead of seeing something broken, you saw something to fix? Instead of seeing something to throw out, you saw something to give away? This is how Nelson Molina sees the world. A former employee for the New York City sanitation department, Nelson saved over 45,000 objects from the garbage to fix and show his community through his museum, Treasures in the Trash.

Explore the hidden potential in what we often discard and think differently about consumption, waste, and the impact of small actions. With themes of upcycling, anti-consumerism, love for community, and finding joy, Gifts from the Garbage Truck inspires kids to think creatively and curiously about what they do (and don't) throw away!

Often, Nelson came across oddly shaped garbage bags.

They clinked and clanked and jingled and jangled.

Is there something more than garbage in here? Nelson would wonder. Is there something someone might love?

"I knew it!" he'd exclaim, tearing the bag open and discovering a new gift from the trash.

Nelson didn't throw the objects into the back of the truck with everything else.

He had a better idea.

About the creators

Andrew Larsen has written more than twenty books for children, including The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie, The Bagel King and A Squiggly Story. His books have been nominated for awards in both Canada and the United States. Andrew began writing for children when he became a stay-at-home dad. His kids are all grown up now, but he continues to write. Andrew lives in Toronto, Canada with his wife and his dog, Sally.

Oriol Vidal is an illustrator and storyboard artist living in Barcelona, Spain. His client list includes publishing houses like Scholastic, Harper Collins, MacMillan, and Simon & Schuster. Vidal has also worked on several animated television productions, including projects by Cartoon Saloon, Cartoon Network, Aardman, and Disney. When he is not working, Oriol likes to go out with his family and cooking. Pastry in particular.