In a recent comment piece, Jo Confino uses the childrens' book 'The Lorax' to illuminate how a literary moment can shine a spotlight on an issue and inspire change.
'The Lorax' is the story of an entrepreneur named the Once-ler who discovers that the tufts from Truffula trees can be used to create a strange but high in-demand garment called a Thneed. As his business grows, the Once-ler becomes obsessed with profit and growth and the result is not only the destruction of the trees, but also the entire ecosystem supported by them.
As Jo explains, 'The Lorax' explores how easily human greed can destroy our natural habitat and raises awareness of the impact our actions have on the environment.
Children's books can have a powerful impact on people of all ages and we'd like to know which stories have made an impression on you? Were you moved by the hardship endured by the rabbits as humans bulldozed through their homes in Richard Adams' 'Watership Down'? Or did Lynne Cherry's ecological fairy tale 'The Dragon and the Unicorn' motivate you to work towards finding a more harmonious relationship between nature and humanity?
Whatever your story, we would love to hear how it has affected you and why. Send a short explanation in an email to jenny.purt@guardian.co.uk and we will publish the best and most interesting ones.
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