JOJO AND THE FOOD FIGHT!

A clever little elephant helps his community get along.

The story begins in medias res, with anthropomorphic animals sketched in loose, energetic ink and pencil lines and engaged in “a food fight frenzy” that’s been going on “for many days and many nights.” Into the scuffle walks the little pachyderm Jojo, carrying a pink parasol and sounding very confused: “Hello, I seem to have lost my memory.” The food fight comes to an immediate halt, and the other animals are perplexed that Jojo doesn’t recognize them or even know his own name. He doesn’t even know what a banana is. They call a cease-fire, and everyone gathers around to help Jojo and watch him eat a banana. Soon, the other animals begin eating bananas and sharing other fruits, too. The carnivorous natures of a crocodile, lion, and other creatures are tidily ignored in the impromptu picnic, and Jojo manages to keep the peace when the others start bickering again. He’s so pleased to see everyone sharing fruit and enjoying themselves that he exclaims, “It reminds me of my birthday party last year….Remember?” Suddenly wise to Jojo’s ruse, the animals cry, “You tricked us!” but their response is joyful, not angry, and the animals celebrate and play, “for peace and friendship had returned to the jungle.”

A sweet story about valuing community and putting quarrels to rest.