Eleo and the Bubble Planet
This Children's book on Human Rights will present the 30 Articles in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights through a story 'lived' by a main cartoon character. Colourful illustrations and simplified text should make it more interesting and eye-catching for 7 - 9 year olds - which is the target audience of this book.
This Children's book on Human Rights will present the 30 Articles in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights through a story 'lived' by a main cartoon character. Colourful illustrations and simplified text should make it more interesting and eye-catching for 7 - 9 year olds - which is the target audience of this book.
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<strong>Eleo</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> <strong>Planet</strong><br />
Malta UNESCO Youth Association
<strong>Eleo</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> <strong>Planet</strong><br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Copyright 2011 Malta UNESCO Youth Association<br />
www.muya.info<br />
Published by Gutenberg Press<br />
Gudja Road, Tarxien. Malta. GXQ2902<br />
All Rights Reserved<br />
First Edition: 2011<br />
Written by Sarah Suda, Christianne Caruana, Philip Caruana, Alex<strong>and</strong>er Thenner<br />
Illustrated by Nicole Diacono<br />
Should you wish to translate this book into your own language, we would be more than happy to<br />
provide you with <strong>the</strong> required resources <strong>and</strong> assistance.<br />
Kindly contact Malta UNESCO Youth Association on info@muya.info.
Note by <strong>the</strong> Authors<br />
This book is based on <strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration of Human Rights, introduced by <strong>the</strong><br />
UN General Assembly on <strong>the</strong> 10th December, 1948. This Declaration was adopted<br />
after <strong>the</strong> world went through World War II. Following such a tragic event that lasted<br />
many years <strong>and</strong> affected millions of people around <strong>the</strong> globe, <strong>the</strong> leaders of many<br />
countries decided that such an act should never happen again. Toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y wrote<br />
<strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is a road map that guarantees <strong>the</strong><br />
basic rights of each <strong>and</strong> every person. They all signed <strong>the</strong> Declaration promising that<br />
<strong>the</strong> people in <strong>the</strong>ir countries will be protected by <strong>the</strong> articles in <strong>the</strong> Declaration.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been in place for more<br />
than sixty years, if we look around us we can see that we do not always follow this<br />
Declaration both as people <strong>and</strong> as countries.<br />
This book tells <strong>the</strong> story of <strong>Eleo</strong>, a young boy who lives in <strong>the</strong> ideal planet of<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onia where <strong>the</strong> people have managed to live in harmony with each o<strong>the</strong>r for<br />
many, many years. However, unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> planet does have o<strong>the</strong>r problems<br />
<strong>and</strong> toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> his gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r Bobbla, we will find out how <strong>the</strong>y live on<br />
<strong>the</strong> planet <strong>and</strong> what <strong>the</strong> people of <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia intend to do to overcome <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
challenges.<br />
Sarah, Christianne, Philip, <strong>and</strong> Alex<br />
Malta UNESCO Youth Association<br />
November 2011
This book is dedicated to our daughters, Aaliyah <strong>and</strong> Rosaleen, <strong>and</strong> to all<br />
children. We hope <strong>the</strong>y will grow up to live in a more peaceful world.
It was a sunny day on <strong>the</strong> roundest of all planets, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Planet</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onia; a planet that is home to native <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs like <strong>the</strong> Spikures <strong>and</strong> Droplings. Both come from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
planets but <strong>the</strong>y have been welcomed like bro<strong>the</strong>rs by <strong>the</strong> native<br />
inhabitants.<br />
Little <strong>Eleo</strong> runs into his gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r’s bubble house. “Bobbla, I<br />
heard that our beautiful planet <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia is going to burst because<br />
we will collide with Spikure!! Is it true?”<br />
Bobbla smiled <strong>and</strong> asked him to sit down. “Yes little <strong>Eleo</strong>, this is<br />
true. But do not worry! Once again we will send one of us<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onians out <strong>the</strong>re to find a new planet for us, so we can live<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with o<strong>the</strong>rs in peace <strong>and</strong> bubblistic harmony just as we are<br />
now.”<br />
“I want to tell you a couple of secrets, little <strong>Eleo</strong>”, his gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
continued. “The last time we were building a new planet, I was sent<br />
out <strong>and</strong> I found a nice blue planet in <strong>the</strong> mighty Universe, from<br />
where I brought a book with <strong>the</strong> rules to <strong>the</strong> happy life we have.<br />
Come my son, let us go for a walk toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> I will tell you<br />
everything.”
<strong>Eleo</strong> waits for Bobbla until he is ready to leave <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y walk out<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r. As <strong>the</strong>y reach <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> street, Bobbla points to <strong>the</strong><br />
left where <strong>the</strong>re is a nursery with a big window. As <strong>Eleo</strong> looks<br />
through <strong>the</strong> window he can see a <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian nurse walking along<br />
<strong>the</strong> corridor carrying many babies. Among <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>re are many<br />
differently coloured <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian babies <strong>and</strong> a Dropling baby who<br />
was crying out loudly. He can also see two Spikure toddlers playing<br />
with a <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian on a little carpet down <strong>the</strong> corridor, being very<br />
careful not to hurt him with <strong>the</strong>ir little spikes.<br />
“Look <strong>Eleo</strong>”, says Bobbla, “many new bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> sisters are born<br />
in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia.” <strong>Eleo</strong> looks at Bobbla <strong>and</strong> nods in agreement. “But<br />
Bobbla, why are <strong>the</strong>y so different?” Bobbla is happy that <strong>Eleo</strong> has<br />
asked that question <strong>and</strong> continues to explain, “We are all born<br />
different from one ano<strong>the</strong>r but we are all <strong>the</strong><br />
same <strong>and</strong> help each o<strong>the</strong>r like one big<br />
family. Take a look around you!”
Bobbla leads <strong>Eleo</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y keep on walking <strong>and</strong> turn left towards <strong>the</strong><br />
maypole that has been set up for <strong>the</strong> planet holiday. Bobbla <strong>and</strong> <strong>Eleo</strong><br />
smile as <strong>the</strong>y look on <strong>and</strong> see different bubblings, <strong>the</strong> name given to<br />
all <strong>the</strong> children living on <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia, going round <strong>the</strong> maypole.<br />
All bubblings are of different colours <strong>and</strong> not all of <strong>the</strong>m are<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onians ei<strong>the</strong>r. Each bubbling is holding a coloured rope as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y skip <strong>and</strong> run around <strong>the</strong> pole. “Look at all those little bubblings<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong>, all are different <strong>and</strong> yet <strong>the</strong>y are playing <strong>and</strong> having fun<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r” says Bobbla to little <strong>Eleo</strong>. “What great fun Bobbla! It is<br />
true! That is why you never scolded me when I played with bubblings<br />
who are not like me,” replies <strong>Eleo</strong>. <strong>Eleo</strong> now underst<strong>and</strong>s that it is<br />
more fun to play games <strong>and</strong> be friends with different bubblings. Life<br />
is more interesting that way.
As <strong>the</strong>y keep on walking, <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla arrive at <strong>the</strong> main Bubbly<br />
park. Here <strong>the</strong>y stop to watch different bubblings play with different<br />
coloured kites. The bubblings are all helping each o<strong>the</strong>r: even though<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are not all native <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian bubblings, little Spikures <strong>and</strong><br />
Droplings are playing around <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
They are helping each o<strong>the</strong>r so that <strong>the</strong>ir kites all fly at <strong>the</strong> same<br />
height. The sight of <strong>the</strong> colourful kites makes <strong>Eleo</strong> smile as it is very<br />
beautiful. “Oh Bobbla how beautiful it is. I would also like to play<br />
with kites,” says <strong>Eleo</strong>. Bobbla looks at <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> nods in agreement,<br />
“Of course it is so much fun. But remember it is more enjoyable if<br />
we help each o<strong>the</strong>r so that kites not<br />
only fly at <strong>the</strong> same height, but<br />
can even go higher.”
Bobbla decides that <strong>the</strong>y should cross <strong>the</strong> park <strong>and</strong> walk toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
among <strong>the</strong> lovely trees. <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>pa pass by a group of<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onians enjoying a barbeque.<br />
Each of <strong>the</strong>m is doing different things. Two of <strong>the</strong>m are cooking some<br />
food whilst <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs are busy cleaning <strong>and</strong> preparing <strong>the</strong> table.<br />
“Yummie, that smells good,” says <strong>Eleo</strong>, “<strong>and</strong> to tell <strong>the</strong> truth I am<br />
getting hungry. Do you think we can join <strong>the</strong>m?” Bobbla too is<br />
getting hungry <strong>and</strong> tells <strong>Eleo</strong> that it would be possible to join <strong>the</strong><br />
party but along with eating <strong>the</strong>y should also help o<strong>the</strong>rs in preparing<br />
<strong>the</strong> food, set <strong>the</strong> table <strong>and</strong> clean afterwards because in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia<br />
everyone has to help out. <strong>Eleo</strong> agrees <strong>and</strong> Bobbla greets <strong>the</strong> group,<br />
“Hello friends, do you think we can join you?”<br />
“Yes, of course” calls back one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, “just lend a h<strong>and</strong>!”
After <strong>the</strong> group all finishes eating, each <strong>and</strong> everyone starts to clean<br />
up his plate <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> area where <strong>the</strong>y sat. As one bubbling is throwing<br />
away some things, <strong>the</strong> waste does not fall into <strong>the</strong> bin but right<br />
outside. His mummy does not look very happy with what her son<br />
has just done <strong>and</strong> calls him over.<br />
“My dear boy, I know it was a mistake but next time be more<br />
careful. Go <strong>and</strong> pick it up <strong>and</strong> throw it in <strong>the</strong> right place,” says <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onian mummy. “See <strong>Eleo</strong>, <strong>the</strong> boy made a mistake,” says<br />
Bobbla to <strong>Eleo</strong>, “but even when we make mistakes we are not<br />
unfairly punished”. As Bobbla finishes cleaning up, he tells <strong>Eleo</strong> that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y should move on as <strong>the</strong>y have much more to see.
Bobbla <strong>and</strong> <strong>Eleo</strong> walk to <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> park <strong>and</strong> come to a very busy<br />
cross road. In fact <strong>the</strong>re is a traffic officer guiding bubble cars,<br />
bicycles <strong>and</strong> pedestrians. “Bobbla, what is that <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian doing<br />
over <strong>the</strong>re?” asks <strong>Eleo</strong>.<br />
“She is controlling traffic so that everyone is kept safe,” replies<br />
Bobbla. “I never realised that <strong>Bubble</strong>-guards have this little book on<br />
<strong>the</strong>m,” says <strong>Eleo</strong>.<br />
“They make sure that everyone follows <strong>the</strong> rules <strong>and</strong> keep us safe<br />
every day. In this book you can find <strong>the</strong> rules that everyone in<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onia has to follow to have a peaceful Bubblistic life,” explains<br />
Bobbla.
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>pa cross <strong>the</strong> road carefully <strong>and</strong> keep on walking until<br />
<strong>the</strong>y arrive to <strong>the</strong> footcube playground.<br />
“Look <strong>Eleo</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y are playing footcube. The referee in footcube has<br />
to be fair on both teams,” says Bobbla. “Oh I see”, but what should<br />
<strong>the</strong> referee do when <strong>the</strong> fans are shouting?” asks <strong>Eleo</strong>.<br />
“The referee should not be influenced by <strong>the</strong> fans, but should apply<br />
<strong>the</strong> rules to everyone in <strong>the</strong> same way,” replies gr<strong>and</strong>pa.
Bobbla <strong>and</strong> his gr<strong>and</strong>son walk until <strong>the</strong>y arrive to <strong>the</strong> law courts<br />
which is a big transparent building <strong>and</strong> everyone who passes by can<br />
see what is going on inside. “Bobbla, why have <strong>the</strong>y ga<strong>the</strong>red here?”<br />
asks <strong>Eleo</strong>. “In this case, some <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians asked for help to defend<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir rights. One lawyer defends one side <strong>and</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r defends <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The judge hears both sides <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n he decides who is guilty <strong>and</strong><br />
what <strong>the</strong> punishment should be. All this has to be done in public.<br />
Until a decision is made, if <strong>the</strong>re is a suspected wrong-doer he or she<br />
may be held in a place where one is not free” explains Bobbla. “Will<br />
I also be judged like <strong>the</strong>m?” asks <strong>Eleo</strong>. “Unless you break <strong>the</strong> rules of<br />
<strong>the</strong> bubblistic life of <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia you will not ever be judged or<br />
punished, so <strong>the</strong>re is no need to be afraid if you live a good life,” says<br />
Bobbla.
<strong>Eleo</strong> tells his gr<strong>and</strong>pa that he understood <strong>and</strong> grabs his h<strong>and</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
keep on walking toge<strong>the</strong>r down <strong>the</strong> street. As <strong>the</strong>y stroll along, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
see a Dropling mummy scolding her little bubbling because she seems<br />
to think that he has done something wrong.<br />
“I promise I have not done anything wrong mummy!” cries out <strong>the</strong><br />
little Dropling. His mo<strong>the</strong>r stops being angry <strong>and</strong> starts to reason<br />
with her little son.<br />
“Look, my little <strong>Eleo</strong>, everyone is innocent until <strong>the</strong>re is real proof<br />
that he or she has done something wrong.” <strong>Eleo</strong> agrees <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />
decide to keep on going.
As <strong>the</strong>y walk along <strong>the</strong>re are many houses on each side of <strong>the</strong> road.<br />
Some have <strong>the</strong>ir doors <strong>and</strong> windows open however some of <strong>the</strong>m<br />
have <strong>the</strong>ir curtains drawn <strong>and</strong> signs put up saying ‘no peeping<br />
through <strong>the</strong> curtains (smiley face)’. Gr<strong>and</strong>pa turns to <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> says,<br />
“Look my son, <strong>the</strong> curtains are closed <strong>and</strong> no one is looking in. We<br />
all can have a place were we can be <strong>the</strong>re without neighbours <strong>and</strong><br />
passers by looking in,” explains Bobbla. “This is called privacy, my<br />
dear <strong>Eleo</strong>. In <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia we respect that each <strong>and</strong> every one of us<br />
can have a private space where no one is allowed to peep in.” <strong>Eleo</strong><br />
agrees, “so can I consider my room my own little private space<br />
Bobbla?” Bobbla smiles in approval, “Yes, my dear son.”
At <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r end of <strong>the</strong> street, a family is packing stuff into <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
bubble car. A sign on <strong>the</strong> car makes it clear that <strong>the</strong>y are off to<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onia Beach.<br />
Gr<strong>and</strong>pa points this out to <strong>Eleo</strong>, “See that family of Spikures packing<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir stuff to go on holiday to <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia Beach. They will stay<br />
<strong>the</strong>re for <strong>the</strong> summer.” <strong>Eleo</strong> smiles, “that is very nice, we should do<br />
that soon.” Bobbla agrees,<br />
“We are all allowed to move around freely <strong>and</strong> go wherever we like.”
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>pa keep on walking towards <strong>the</strong> city centre. On <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
way <strong>the</strong>y meet a couple of Droplings who happen to be friends of<br />
Bobbla. They greet each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> chat for a little while <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n<br />
<strong>the</strong>y keep on walking.<br />
Gr<strong>and</strong>pa turns to <strong>Eleo</strong>, “My Dropling friends Chrissy <strong>and</strong> Alex are<br />
much happier in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y have been welcomed here as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have not been treated justly in <strong>the</strong>ir planet Clowdia.” <strong>Eleo</strong><br />
smiles at Bobbla <strong>and</strong> tells him that he is very happy that Chrissy <strong>and</strong><br />
Alex are now living a happy life.
As <strong>the</strong>y arrive in <strong>the</strong> city centre <strong>the</strong>y remember that it is <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onia festival day as everyone <strong>the</strong>re is participating in a<br />
parade. <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians, Spikures <strong>and</strong> Droplings all toge<strong>the</strong>r are<br />
walking in <strong>the</strong> parade. Banners <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia flags are being<br />
carried by <strong>the</strong> different citizens of <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia.<br />
“Wow, gr<strong>and</strong>pa how amazing to look at all <strong>the</strong> different colours <strong>and</strong><br />
flags,” says <strong>Eleo</strong>. “Yes, my dear gr<strong>and</strong>son. In <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia even <strong>the</strong><br />
Spikures <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Droplings can become citizens of our beautiful<br />
planet.”
As <strong>the</strong>y walk along, <strong>the</strong>y see a wedding bubble car passing by with<br />
newlyweds. <strong>Eleo</strong> stops Bobbla <strong>and</strong> starts clapping happily, “Look<br />
Bobbla, a <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian lady has just married a Spikure! How happy<br />
I am for <strong>the</strong>m!”<br />
Gr<strong>and</strong>pa laughs at <strong>Eleo</strong>’s excitement, “Yes my dear gr<strong>and</strong>son, here<br />
in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia all of us can marry <strong>and</strong> have a family, even if we<br />
come from different planets.”<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> smiles at Bobbla, “Can I get married too?” Gr<strong>and</strong>pa bursts out<br />
laughing <strong>and</strong> explains, “You are still too young to get married now,<br />
but once you are old enough you can!”
A bubble bicycle is coming along from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> street.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> pulls at Bobbla’s sleeve, “Look gr<strong>and</strong>pa, that little bubbling has<br />
a bicycle just like mine.” Bobbla says, “It could be like yours, but that<br />
does not mean it belongs to you.”<br />
Bobbla explains that many <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians own different things <strong>and</strong> to<br />
own things one has to buy <strong>the</strong>m or <strong>the</strong>y have to be given to you as<br />
a present. “I can see that this little bubbling is enjoying his bicycle as<br />
much as I enjoy mine!” says <strong>Eleo</strong>.
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla keep on walking until <strong>the</strong>y arrive to a little opening<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y see a <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian preacher talking on a stage in front<br />
of an audience. “Gr<strong>and</strong>pa, what is going on <strong>the</strong>re?” asks <strong>Eleo</strong>.<br />
“Here <strong>the</strong> preacher is expressing <strong>and</strong> sharing his beliefs with <strong>the</strong><br />
audience,” explains Bobbla, “However <strong>the</strong> people listening are free<br />
to believe what <strong>the</strong>y think is best for <strong>the</strong>m.”
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>pa leave <strong>the</strong> audience <strong>and</strong> continue on <strong>the</strong>ir way. As<br />
soon as <strong>the</strong>y turn right, a group from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bubble</strong> Motorbike Club<br />
ride past.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> turns to Gr<strong>and</strong>pa <strong>and</strong> says, “Wow Gr<strong>and</strong>pa, look at that! Can<br />
I join this group when I grow up?” Bobbla smiles at <strong>Eleo</strong> again <strong>and</strong><br />
says, “Of course you can my dear gr<strong>and</strong>son, but only if you want<br />
to.”<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla keep on walking down <strong>the</strong> street, <strong>and</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y look<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir left <strong>the</strong>y see a wall covered with election posters.
As <strong>the</strong>y walk by, <strong>Eleo</strong> looks at <strong>the</strong> pictures of <strong>the</strong> people on <strong>the</strong><br />
posters. “Orange is Cool, Purple is Super, Yellow is Banana!”,<br />
exclaims <strong>Eleo</strong> as he reads <strong>the</strong> poster slogans out loud. “How<br />
colourful <strong>and</strong> interesting <strong>the</strong>se posters are Bobbla!”, says <strong>Eleo</strong>.<br />
“Soon <strong>the</strong>re will be elections for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bubble</strong> Parliament my dear<br />
son,” explains Bobbla. “They all want to be chosen to represent <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onians. Their job will be to decide on good things to do for<br />
us to make our lives better.”<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> smiles <strong>and</strong> tells Bobbla that maybe he too might be a Prime<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> some day. “Why not! Everyone can try,” answers Bobbla.
As <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla reach <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> street, <strong>the</strong>y come to a large<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> shopping mall.<br />
There are many <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians, Spikures <strong>and</strong> Droplings inside:<br />
shopping, having fun, playing games, waiting for <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre or<br />
having coffee. Some <strong>Bubble</strong>-onians are also at work.<br />
“Look <strong>Eleo</strong>,” says Bobbla, “everyone is happy because everyone<br />
living in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia is encouraged to be what <strong>the</strong>y want to be. Look<br />
at everyone enjoying <strong>the</strong>mselves by learning games or going to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>atre, even <strong>the</strong>se things make us <strong>the</strong> beings that we are.”
Bobbla <strong>and</strong> <strong>Eleo</strong> keep on walking until <strong>the</strong>y reach <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong><br />
shopping mall <strong>and</strong> exit from <strong>the</strong> back door. As soon as <strong>the</strong>y leave <strong>the</strong><br />
mall, <strong>the</strong>y find <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> daily market. There are different<br />
stalls at <strong>the</strong> market. There is Lucy <strong>the</strong> carpenter working on small<br />
chairs to sell that day, <strong>the</strong>re is Markus setting up his makeup stall<br />
whilst many o<strong>the</strong>r stall owners are busy already selling <strong>the</strong>ir goods.<br />
“Look <strong>Eleo</strong>, all of us living in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia can choose what work <strong>the</strong>y<br />
want to do. Also, all have enough money to be able to take care of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir family,” explains Bobbla.
After <strong>the</strong> market, Bobbla <strong>and</strong> <strong>Eleo</strong> keep on walking towards <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> Luna Park next to <strong>the</strong> river. There are several families having<br />
fun <strong>and</strong> enjoying <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> stops to look at <strong>the</strong> carousel. Bobbla comes up behind him <strong>and</strong><br />
says, “Look <strong>Eleo</strong>, we all have free time to do whatever we want in<br />
order to have fun <strong>and</strong> rest. We have free days between working time.<br />
Resting is important son.”<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> turns to Bobbla <strong>and</strong> asks, “When we are free, can we go to<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong> beach to swim <strong>and</strong> play?” Bobbla smiles at <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> says,<br />
“Yes of course!”
<strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla continue <strong>the</strong>ir walk <strong>and</strong> take <strong>the</strong> bridge to cross <strong>the</strong><br />
river. From <strong>the</strong> bridge <strong>the</strong>y can see a lot of different <strong>Bubble</strong> houses<br />
lining up <strong>the</strong> riverbed.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> looks over <strong>and</strong> says, “Look Bobbla, it seems as if you can see <strong>the</strong><br />
whole town from here!”. “Yes, that is true my son, <strong>and</strong> look how<br />
different we all are. But it does not matter, because we are all safe<br />
<strong>and</strong> happy <strong>and</strong> if we ever need help, we will all get it,” replies Bobbla.<br />
“Do you remember <strong>the</strong> baby bubblings we saw at <strong>the</strong> nursery <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> little bubblings playing in <strong>the</strong> park? Those get special attention<br />
since <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia.”
On <strong>the</strong> bank of <strong>the</strong> river <strong>the</strong>re is a school, which <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla<br />
pass by. They see little bubblings hurrying towards <strong>the</strong> door carrying<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir school bags.<br />
Bobbla explains that everyone has <strong>the</strong> right to learn <strong>and</strong> it is<br />
important because it teaches us how to develop our talents <strong>and</strong> also<br />
how to live toge<strong>the</strong>r with o<strong>the</strong>rs. “That is why we love to learn,” says<br />
Bobbla. “I will go to Junior <strong>Bubble</strong> College soon” says <strong>Eleo</strong>, “I can’t<br />
wait for school to start!”
They keep on walking to <strong>the</strong> main square, where every day a lot of<br />
street artists ga<strong>the</strong>r. <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Bobbla are having fun as <strong>the</strong>y watch<br />
artists, jugglers, musicians <strong>and</strong> painters do what <strong>the</strong>y know best.<br />
“Wow, look how artistic we are in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia, can I have a painting<br />
of myself?” asks <strong>Eleo</strong>. “Here in <strong>Bubble</strong>-onia we truly have many<br />
talents. Our artists’ concerts, exhibitions <strong>and</strong> plays make our life<br />
more fun <strong>and</strong> interesting. They really deserve <strong>the</strong>ir money, like this<br />
painter here. Have a seat, <strong>Eleo</strong>!” says Bobbla.
By now, Gr<strong>and</strong>pa Bobbla is feeling a bit tired, so <strong>the</strong>y decide to take<br />
a bus. As soon as <strong>the</strong>y get on, a young <strong>Bubble</strong>-onian is helping an<br />
older one get onto <strong>the</strong> bus.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> notices this <strong>and</strong> says to Bobbla, “It is very nice of this<br />
<strong>Bubble</strong>-onian,” Bobbla replies, “Yes my son, we should all care for<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r. If we all respect each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> rules, life is easy to<br />
live.”
As <strong>the</strong> bubble bus drives near to <strong>the</strong>ir house, <strong>Eleo</strong> <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>pa get<br />
off. <strong>Eleo</strong> notices <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bubble</strong> space ship st<strong>and</strong>ing in Bobbla’s garden.<br />
<strong>Eleo</strong> turns to Bobbla <strong>and</strong> says, “We have wonderful rules Bobbla. I<br />
hope I will find ano<strong>the</strong>r planet where we can live toge<strong>the</strong>r just like we<br />
do now.”<br />
Bobbla agrees <strong>and</strong> says, “No need to worry son, we are sure that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are planets out <strong>the</strong>re, where we are welcome. Your <strong>Bubble</strong> ship<br />
is ready for take-off. Come son, I will help you to prepare for your<br />
trip. Here is <strong>the</strong> book, you will need it!”
United Nations International Nursery School:<br />
It's Human Rights Day for Them, Too<br />
Children of <strong>the</strong> United Nations International Nursery School look at a poster of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is two years old on 10<br />
December. [December, 1950]<br />
UN Photo
This book is <strong>the</strong> collaborative effort of many a creative mind. The initial idea came about<br />
following a Training Course funded by <strong>the</strong> Youth in Action Programme of <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Commission called ‘Rightly Yours <strong>and</strong> Rightly Mine – a Training Course on Human Rights <strong>and</strong><br />
Duties in a multi-cultural Europe,’ which was organised by Malta UNESCO Youth Association<br />
<strong>and</strong> took place in Malta in June 2009. Several participants from Italy, Spain, Malta, Estonia,<br />
Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Sweden, Greece <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong>s were present.<br />
The participants were:<br />
Joanna Bonnici & Caroline Grech – Malta<br />
Olga Rodionova & Rostislav Tshikalski – Estonia<br />
Fabio Cerrito & Giorgio Sinapi – Italy<br />
Marina Albuquerque Maranhao & Fabio Santos – Spain<br />
Popi Nalpantiodou & Athanasios Tzoganis – Greece<br />
Marieke Van Der Linden & Ayla Van Kessel – Ne<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Ivanina Stoyanova - Bulgaria<br />
Jasmina Mohorko & Sebastijan Starc – Slovenia<br />
Soren Berglund & Mats Grambon – Sweden<br />
Dimitrie Anatoli Postovei – Romania<br />
From this Training Course, <strong>the</strong> idea for a children’s book came about <strong>and</strong> Malta UNESCO<br />
Youth Association has been working on <strong>the</strong> idea ever since.
Collaborators (in alphabetical order):<br />
Alex<strong>and</strong>er Thenner<br />
Annette Vella<br />
Audrey Spiteri<br />
Birgit Oidram<br />
Chantal Sciberras<br />
Christianne Caruana<br />
CJ Saliba<br />
Daniel Mifsud<br />
Desiree D’Amato<br />
Dorianne Formosa<br />
Elysia Camilleri<br />
Joanna Bonnici<br />
Julian Portelli<br />
Krista Bonnici<br />
Marie Louise Vella<br />
Philip Caruana<br />
Sarah Cassar<br />
Sarah Suda<br />
Estonian UNESCO Youth Association, Estonia: Julia Barsukova, Olga Rodionova, Deniss<br />
Jershov. Youth Centre of Dravinja Valley, Slovenia: Aleš Kurnik, Jasmina Mohorko, Anja<br />
Žibert. Initsiativa Regional Youth Council, Bulgaria: Rosen Dimov<br />
Consultants: Dr Gorg Mallia - University of Malta, Mr Chris Grupetta - Merlin Library,<br />
Mr Anson D. Aquilina, Ms Krista Bonnici
The book was partly funded by <strong>the</strong> European Youth Foundation within <strong>the</strong><br />
Council of Europe under category B which supports printed publications<br />
<strong>and</strong> audio-visual material.<br />
Special thanks to Athanasios “Sakis” Krezios (Kids In Action) for being a source of inspiration<br />
<strong>and</strong> moreover a provider of precious information about making use of this fund.
Discover more about this project
On a faraway bubbly happy planet where everyone<br />
lives life in peace <strong>and</strong> harmony with one ano<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
young <strong>Eleo</strong> runs into his gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r's house. He is<br />
looking for some answers, only to find out that he had<br />
been chosen for a mission. But before he sets off, his<br />
gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r Bobbla needs to give him some precious<br />
information that will help him along <strong>the</strong> way.