“My sweet love,
don’t ever apologize for being born.
Before you came into our lives,
the planet seemed good enough – nothing more.
But the minute you arrived, our world
became brighter, lighter, funnier and more colourful.”
Florent, though happy, is not like other kids. He is overly active, extremely sensitive, and often hard to calm. So, when he hears his mothers talking about bringing another child into a world plagued by a climate crisis, his initial reaction is that his moms might not be happy they have him. He wonders if he is just another problem for the environment and the mess it is in. He also finds himself unable to talk about it.
His worries and bad dreams lead to his withdrawal from family life. He no longer speaks. When he cannot deal with his overwhelming anxiety any longer, he opens up to his moms. Reassurance from them for the joy he brings to the family helps him begin to understand that considering another child is because of all he has brought to their lives.
Being afraid for the future after all the doom and gloom reports being broadcast daily is a worry for those who care about the planet and the future for all. It can be especially concerning for sensitive kids and adults whose level of understanding does not allow them to realize that changes can be made if the world is committed to making change. Each one of us can help by doing things that matter.
"To help that happen
we can pollute less.
We can waste less.
We can stop buying things we don't need.
And we can change the way we live.
But we should NEVER stop having children."
Eve Patenaude dramatically captures the sadness that envelops Florent through misunderstanding. His pain and loneliness are felt with each turn of the page, as is his ability to move forward once he has clearer understanding. A rare look at climate concerns for children.
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