In my youth we wore “No to nuclear weapons” badges on our jackets. There wasn’t much activism, but it felt wonderful when adults among them were provoked by the message. The feeling that we had understood something important on our own was great and warm. If there is one battle young people are fighting now, it is the climate battle. In the breach stands a young girl from Sweden, the uncompromising activist Greta Thunberg. Not so few adults are on the team, thank God. But the changes in attitude are slow. Stupid adults, right? “Adults don’t understand shit” is the title of the first part of Nora Dåsnes’ new cartoon. I immediately become skeptical: Are we once again going to get a story about stupid adults and wise, energetic children? It may look like that for a while. Here is a principal who would rather have more parking spaces – so the children can be driven to school safely – than forests, where the children can actually play. Here is a mother who is so busy at work that she has no time for her daughter’s environmental commitment. And here are FAU representatives training the student council’s input on climate measures at the school with investigations instead of action. CAR MOST IMPORTANT: The headmaster wants more parking spaces. Illustration: NORA DÅSNES / ASCHEHOUG JOB MOST IMPORTANT: Mother does not have time to help. INVESTIGATION MOST IMPORTANT: The parents’ committee would rather investigate than act. Fortunately, that changes along the way. Not all adults are equally narrow-minded. Not all children are equally climate conscious, either. The nuance may not be rich enough, but it speaks to cartoonist Nora Dåsnes’ advantage. Taking matters into his own hands It is Bao who takes matters into his own hands. She is in the seventh grade, will soon be a secondary school student, but still loves to play in the forest outside the school. When the forest is in danger of being destroyed, she takes action. Illustration: NORA DÅSNES / ASCHEHOUG If it is not enough to deliver well-founded reports on increasing global warming and climate change, there must be a stronger approach. Bao joins the students in a protest demonstration. Live broadcasts on Instagram spread the message at record speed. SPIN FILM: Bao takes action, using live video on social media to spread the message. Illustration: Nora Dåsnes / Aschehoug The Alta action from the 1970s inspires the children; if not exactly to chain gangs and hunger strikes – then in any case to occupation of the area that is threatened. In the end, however, it is facts rather than emotions that stop the excavators. The students have got the mayor on the team. The danger is over for now. Listen to the review of “Let the forest live!” in “Open book: The critics”: Comet career Within two years, Nora Dåsnes has become one of the country’s most recognized cartoonists. No less than 12 countries have bought the debut book “Ti kniver i härtet”, where the main character Tuva falls in love with a girl. In last year’s book, “Unanswered calls”, Dåsnes writes about young people’s fear after the 22 July terror. The book has been nominated for the Nordic Council’s children’s and youth book prize. “Let the forest live!” is a standalone sequel to the debut book. It was shaped like a diary. This year’s book is to a greater extent shaped through quick text messages that rush between the girlfriends. The occasional boy signs up: Falling in love is almost mandatory in books for children on the threshold of secondary school. Here it won’t be oppressive, just nice. Large spreads over two pages – which often depict nature in increasingly pouring rain – alternate with more traditional cartoon routes. LARGE NATURE: Nature is sometimes depicted in drawings that extend over double pages. The rain is increasing. Illustration: NORA DÅSNES / ASCHEHOUG FORLAG In addition, Dåsnes presents the reports Bao and his friends make. This is how she “lures in” solid factual knowledge during the dramatic narrative. Could have been me! It is Bao’s anger that makes things happen. She is tired of being patient. She refuses to become numb and passive like the adults – she wants to use her fear. This is a commitment many young people can identify with. At the back of the book, Dåsnes has a guide for others who want to be heard in Norwegian society. She briefly describes how democracy works, and what opportunities children have to be heard through student councils, organisations, the media or by contacting parliamentary representatives. The direct inquiry adds weight to the story, the reader gets the feeling that this could have been me! WILL: There is a clear message in the book, which can contribute to youthful commitment. Illustration: Nora Dåsnes / Aschehoug publishing house Natur og Ungdom and the campaigners in Førdefjorden spring 2022 will be thanked in the book. So yes, the political message is clear. The will to influence as well. But is it that dangerous? I give a thumbs up for a powerful comic novel that can help spark youthful engagement. With “Let the forest live!” shows Nora Dåsnes that much is possible, if reason and emotions are allowed to play together. news reviews Illustration: Nora Dåsnes / Aschehoug publishing house Title: “Let the forest live!” Author: Nora Dåsnes Illustrator: Nora Dåsnes Genre: Comic book for children Publisher: Aschehoug Number of pages: 232 Date: 2022
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“Let the forest live!” by Nora Dåsnes – Reviews and recommendations
