"When the Elephant Walks"

Essay by Agustin Lopez 

When the Elephant Walks, by Koiko Kasza is a story about being afraid and how to deal with this feeling. The topic is very common to all people (even the ones who deny it), and especially children, who feel that the new things may hurt them. All in all, the story mixes some entertaining pictures, a structure of events very easy to follow, patterns repetition, and a clear message that will certainly convince the reader at first sight. This message appears on Kasza final comment; "The next time you feel afraid, remember there may be someone bigger than you who gets scared too!."

Although it seems to be, to a high degree, persuasive, the message contains a high degree of irresponsibility in its words. You may think that this is a silly thing, something that does not deserves criticism, but I think this occurs because the story is presented in such a very good way that we feel it is not necessary to look for failures. The message seems to be good also because of the fact that it is easier to look upon others instead of oneself. How many times did you heard the phrase "you are not so bad. Look at him!"? When the Elephant Walks reinforces the same idea. Instead of trying to solve the problem, we compare us to another person in order to feel good.

It is necessary to teach children to be responsible for their feelings. It does not matter if someone is getting better or worse than you. We must start to think about ourselves without comparing our situation with others'.
  

It is a good thing to tell children that they do not have to be afraid, I know, but always with knowledge, with an explanation which can help them how to deal with fear. The comparison with other people leads to the evasion of the problem.