What if learning about mosquitoes, climate change and public health could start with a story?
Ahead of World Children’s Day on 20 November, IDAlert is happy to launch Mosquito on the Move, a new illustrated book that combines storytelling, science and practical learning to help children — and curious readers of all ages — understand how mosquitoes can travel and establish themselves in new places.
Written and illustrated by Rebeka Ryvola, Learning Advisor at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the story follows Annie, an Aedes mosquito who would much rather stay in her puddle inside an old tyre than explore the world. But when her home is moved, Annie finds herself on an unexpected journey involving ships, cars, planes, birds and even the wind.
Behind Annie’s adventure is an important scientific story. Mosquitoes generally do not travel very far by themselves, but people and goods can unintentionally carry mosquitoes or their eggs over much greater distances. The book also introduces young readers to the role of temperature, water and breeding sites, and explains how a warming climate can make some areas increasingly suitable for mosquito species that were previously unable to live there.
A story designed to make science accessible
Mosquito on the Move is more than an adventure story. Throughout the book, readers discover simple facts about mosquito biology, including their life cycle, how different mosquito species behave, and the ways in which Aedes, Culexand Anopheles mosquitoes can affect human health.
The story also encourages readers to take action. Practical recommendations include removing standing water, cleaning potential breeding sites such as old tyres and flower pots, using mosquito repellent, protecting windows and doors, and reporting mosquito sightings through the Mosquito Alert app.
This educational approach reflects a wider ambition of IDAlert: to make complex connections between climate, infectious diseases and public health easier to understand and to help people become active participants in addressing these challenges. The campaign builds on IDAlert’s previous Time is Ticking initiative, continuing the project’s exploration of how art and creativity can support public engagement with climate and health.
Dedicated to all our children
The timing of the launch has a special meaning. Mosquito on the Move is dedicated “to all our children”, opening with the words of Senegalese conservationist Baba Dioum:
“In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”
As World Children’s Day approaches, the book is a reminder of the importance of giving younger generations the knowledge and tools to understand the environmental and public health challenges that will shape their future.
The book is available to read online and download for printing, making it suitable for use in schools, libraries, community spaces, workshops and public events. Educators, families and organisations are encouraged to share Annie’s story and use it as a starting point for conversations about mosquitoes, climate change and public health.
Ready to follow Annie on her unexpected journey?
Read Mosquito on the Move, discover the mosquito facts and explore the educational resources on the IDAlert website.
