The elephant listened attentively.
but remained in the shadows.
Next, the ostrich sisters gave it a try."
None of the animals who share the savannah setting with the blue elephant know its story. They are not sure if the elephant is sad, is resting, or just likes being in the shadows. No matter, they are determined to try to make the difference that proffers a change. The monkey tells a joke, the ostriches dance, and the crocodile offers a tasty treat. The elephant does not respond.
Along comes a mouse who chooses to sit quietly next to the portly pachyderm, sharing its space and its silence. The silence arouses the elephant's curiosity. It sits up. Because the mouse has no motive for being there, they sit in silence some more. Finally, the mouse shares a story that has made it very sad. Together, they cry. Only then do the two move forward together through the night, calm and released from their overwhelming sadness.
There is drama here; it is deftly played out in the shadows. lines and shapes chosen by Valerio Vidali to quietly keep melancholy top of mind. Blue is the mood expressed in the art, giving this tale the emotional impact it is meant to have. What a perfect way to open a talk with readers about sadness, empathy, friendship, and the use of artwork to establish a certain frame of mind. Simple gestures can make all the difference.
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