My Elephant Is Blue; a book about big, heavy feelings

I spend a lot of time with children. In fact, it would be fair to state that I binge-watch kids. I love to hear about what matters to them, I love to be involved in their wonderings, I love watching them gain new skills and develop into the humans God created them to be. I am always honored when they share what is on their minds and how they are feeling. I keep a stash of comfort items that get pulled out when someone needs something tangible to help them find some peace, and that collection includes a few special books. When My Elephant Is Blue by Melinda Szymanik and Vasanti Unka came across my desk from the publisher, I was incredibly happy to find that I now had a new title to add to my comfort stash.

My Elephant is Blue is a soft, endearing story written about a small child coping with the sudden onset of heavy feelings. Written as allegory, the child rises one morning with large, heavy blue elephant on their chest. Through interactions with their family, the child tries several strategies to move the elephant off of their body, with little success. The elephant stuck around for quite some time, despite the parents trying to read all they could on the topic and speaking with an elephant specialist, their sister trying to push the elephant away, and suggesting that smiling and cheering up would improve the situation. Eventually, the elephant shifts a bit, allowing the child to go for a walk and then allowing the family to head out for a picnic together. The elephant never leaves the child, but it does ease its pressure. The illustrations are soft and vibrant, gently drawing the reader into the story. The simple sentences allow room for conversation about what the child must feel like, how the family is supportive, how everyone is affected by the presence of the elephant, and strategies they found together to help the situation.

There are several ways I plan on using this in ministry. Yes, it belongs on the shelves of your children’s library. Children will see themselves in this story on many different levels. Families will appreciate having a book that can assist in conversation about the heaviness of feelings and strategies that can help. A copy will be in my comfort stash, as sometimes you just need a book to bring some peace. I would recommend that the title gets passed around among those that are working with the children, youth, and families in your congregation. It can provide a good understanding of what some are going through and some gentle ways to help support them. It also quietly, but effectively, can point out some ways that are NOT helpful. If you are a congregation that has a sitting area, I would put a copy of this book out for people to peruse while they sip a hot beverage. (I subscribe to the philosophy of ‘strewing’; leaving interesting titles around where people cannot miss them, will pick them up, and leaf through them.) There are many ways this book will enhance your ability to be in effective ministry with and for those going through emotionally charged times. I would highly recommend snagging a copy of this title.