38 Ways to React to an Elephant in the Room
Picture Book – Author & Illustrator: Maria Doni
2025- 2026
38 Ways to React to an Elephant in the Room is a picture book exploring awkward moments, mishaps, and "elephants in the room" — those uncomfortable situations we often don't know how to handle.
Through 38 varied reactions to a single elephant, it shows children there is no one right way to respond. Reactions can differ widely — and that's safe, normal, and deeply personal. No two people (or elephants) are alike.
As author-illustrator, I used ink lines (varied nibs) and abundant dots/circles to evoke scattered possibilities, emotional fragments, and multiple paths around discomfort.
A supportive tool for kids building decision-making, authenticity, and self-awareness in tricky moments.
Finalist – 2026 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition
Thrilled to share that 38 Ways to React to an Elephant in the Room has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair — one of the world's leading showcases for emerging illustration talent.
From 4,158 illustrators and 20,790 submissions across 95 countries/regions, only 317 were chosen. My project joins this prestigious longlist, with works to be exhibited in Bologna and featured in the official catalog.
View the full 2026 finalists photogallery here:
2026 Finalist Illustrators Photogallery – Bologna Children's Book Fair
