Once Upon a Time: Little Duckling
Once Upon a Time: A Little Red Fish
These two fairy tales, illustrated with warmth and color by Stefano Natali, were written by Alessandro Savelli to help Telefono Azzurro, of which he is one of the founders. They can be requested from the organization's Administration and Volunteer Office at 051/237101. All proceeds, including author royalties, go to Telefono Azzurro. Alessandro Savelli is an architect who has worked in cities across Italy and abroad and designed objects and furniture for several manufacturers. In addition to writing fairy tales, he works as a graphic designer and sculptor and is a specialist in kite making. As a kite flyer, he won the "Grand Dragon" competition in China against nations from around the world. Perhaps this achievement, combined with being a father—which has given him a special gift for approaching children, speaking to them with such tenderness, and recognizing the goodness, wisdom, and honesty that sometimes can be found only in them—explains his talent.
These two tales are filled with wonder and imagination, yet they are grounded in everyday life: behind each character we recognize real people and stories from our own experience. The first features a disabled boy whose limitations can become sources of good, deeper understanding of situations, and unexpected solutions. The second presents the "different" one, burdened by feelings of inadequacy and uselessness, who in the end proves to be the only one capable of courage and solidarity.
Behind two fairy tales lies life itself. For our children, for the child in each of us, these stories offer a moment for honest reflection and the hope of real good. In recommending them, we close with the author's own words: "The value of every life is true because it is willed by God."
We note that Telefono Azzurro (number 19696) was created to help children who are victims of violence of any kind and all children in distress. At 051/481048 (also staffed 24 hours a day), Telefono Azzurro runs a counseling service for parents, grandparents (who are so active and present in today's society!), and all who work with children.
N.L., 1995