I Want to Be a River

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

* 2020 Kibookin Selection * 2022 Prix des P'tits Loups 

“The work speaks of ecology, but above all, of contagious freedom, the one that makes the spirit gallop without obstacles, wherever it can interfere.” —ActuaLitté

This simple story celebrates the importance of dreams while raising children's environmental awareness.

One day, Abel proudly declares: “When I grow up, I want to be a river.” If he were a river, he would run faster than ever and cross entire continents. Other kids try to demolish his crazy dream: as a river, he would be lonely, tired, have no legs...and the list goes on. But Abel persists in his optimism with his head held high… until the moment when a thought of pollution doesn’t leave room for optimism! 

Seeing Abel's dream die makes the other kids realize what they have done, and they join forces to bring the dream back, promising to clean the dirty waters of the river. And then they begin to dream...

I Want to Be a River is a story that celebrates dreams and the importance of valuing children’s imagination. It explores the negative impacts of bullying, the positive aspects of friendship, and the development of environmental awareness.