REVIEWS

A wonderful story about environmental awareness and how the Earth requires our undivided attention before it gets too late for change, cleverly wrapped in a children’s book. This book is for children and adults alike. My daughter loved it! It gave her the acknowledgment and the power that children are indeed the leaders of tomorrow, and because of their different view of the world, unspoiled by modern technology, they too should have a say in what happens to our world and for their voices to be heard. But the book also speaks to the adult’s inner child, so that we know that when we listen to that child’s voice within and follow what we know is possible, we will be fully supported (like Clara was supported by Kokkai) and miracles can truly be achieved! Both inspiring and fun to read!

– Marja Zapusek, Slovenia

This book reminded me of what I always knew was possible when I was a little girl, and of how much of that knowing empowers me still now. In order to get out of our comfort zone and make a change, we sometimes have to step up. Connecting to what we always knew possible helps us go beyond the limitations we unconsciously created. I also love the metaphor of butterflies at the end of the book. What if your choice to make a difference (even a small one) has impact on somebody or something not only near you, but also on someone or something on the other side of this planet?

– Nao Ashida, Japan

Climate change was a common term when I was working for the United Nations. We talked about it a lot. A very serious big important thing. Funnily, I’ve never heard the word climate changer. Interesting that we never used it as a verb in action. As a responsibility we all “be”. I believe now that, as necessary as they may be at a global level, conventions and committees and discussions, advocating change, ultimately are not enough. I left the United Nations some years ago because I didn’t believe I could change things there. But I also stonewalled my hopes and inner urge that brought me there in the first place.

 

The seemingly gentle tale of Clara, the little girl who had the courage to hear the message of the polar bear coming from the sky in his red balloon and to follow what she knows, stirred something in me. Tears started rolling from my eyes as I was reading it in the plane, rising above the clouds. It vibrated deep in me and started to crack the concrete I had put around my heart to bury my vision. This tale is more than a tale. If you allow its magic to work it can free your children’s heart to butterfly its way into in the world.

 

Conventions don’t bring the change, I know now. Only we can change. If we choose to be it and act. Thank you Katarina Wallentin for this amazing book – not just for children – which reminds us we are more potent than we want to believe.

 

Each of us has a capacity to be a climate changer. I wonder what this will create when this book falls into as many people’s hands as possible? I wonder what other discussion we and our children can have about the change we can be in the world?

– Virginie Aimard