“Essa (não) é uma pergunta fácil” ("That's (not) an easy question") is the starting point for the illustrated book on (in)fertility, which will be launched on June 1 at the Lisbon Book Fair. This book looks at concepts in the area of reproduction and fertility and explores their biological and social dimensions through a conversation between a mother and her child.
 

The author, Sandra Amaral, is a researcher at Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC-UC) and a specialist in the field of (male) infertility. This book arose from her great motivation and desire to communicate these issues, which have an enormous social impact, to children. For Sandra Amaral, the challenge arose "after developing various activities with children to clarify where babies come from, in which I realized that there were recurring questions and doubts. The idea of making a children's book as a tool for promoting reproductive health literacy came a little naturally. In my work as a scientist, where I see science communication as a duty, it gives me special pleasure to do it with children, an audience where I feel I make a difference. It gives me great satisfaction to leave a session with children and hear them call reproductive cells by their correct names. These are small steps, but in this audience they shape (important) future actions. In constructing this idea I was lucky enough to meet Ana (Vasconcelos) who, with mastery, was able to accompany my words with beautiful illustrations."
 

This project is part of CNC-UC's mission to promote health literacy and science communication.
 

Ana Vasconcelos, the illustrator of this book and also a scientist and PhD student at CNC-UC, says: "It was a very challenging project, but above all an exciting one. My main concern was that the illustrations had scientific rigor and, of course, that they were appealing and responded to children's curiosities."
 

The production of this book was supported by the Associação Portuguesa de Fertilidade (APF) (Portuguese Fertility Association). For Cláudia Vieira, APF president, "Explaining fertility or the disease infertility, which affects thousands of women and men, to adults can sometimes be complicated. Getting this world and its realities across to children requires a different ability to communicate clearly and simply. We believe that this is what Sandra Amaral and Ana Vasconcelos' illustrations have achieved in 'Essa (não) é uma pergunta fácil'. Health literacy is of the utmost importance. Starting to promote it early among children and young people is essential and books like this are invaluable for providing information on how a baby is conceived, but also for raising awareness of problems that can arise when you're thinking of having a child. Without a doubt, a huge help for parents, educators and teachers."
 
The book "Essa (não) é uma pergunta fácil" was published by Alfarroba and will be in bookstores from its launch on Children's Day, June 1, 2024, at 11am at the Lisbon Book Fair, in Pavilion G02, south auditorium.