The Elephant and the Bicycle
A wordless animated film for children aged 4 to 9 about a street-sweeping elephant who saves up for a dream bicycle, and finds happiness in giving.
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What is The Elephant and the Bicycle about?
The Elephant and the Bicycle is a wordless animated film for children aged 4 to 9 about an elephant who trades a happy life for a dream bicycle, and learns that happiness is found in generosity and service.
The elephant lives among the people of a colourful town. Every day he sweeps the streets and clears away the rubbish with a big broom, and he is content. Then one day he sees an advert for a bright red bicycle, and his life turns upside down. All he can think about is how to save up enough money to buy it.
He drops coin after coin into a pink piggy bank, and spends his time working for it. Meanwhile, with no one to sweep the streets, the rubbish in the town piles up in great black heaps. And when he at last gets his bicycle, it looks tiny beside him.
What happens next is a lesson for us all. By the end, a little girl is riding the small red bicycle, and the elephant is back in the streets with his broom, keeping the town clean.
The film is made from painted paper cut-outs and has no speech. It lasts about 9 minutes.
It is a good way to talk with children about wanting things, and about what really makes us happy. Islam teaches that true richness is contentment of the heart, not having many things, and that serving others and being generous bring a happiness that lasts.
What your child will learn
- Happiness does not come from the things we own.
- Being generous and helping others brings a happiness that lasts.
- Wanting something too much can make us forget what matters.
- Doing a useful job well, for other people, is something to be proud of.
Talk about it afterwards
- How did the elephant feel before he saw the advert?
- What happened to the town while the elephant was saving up?
- Why do you think the elephant was happy at the end?
- Have you ever wanted something very much? How did you feel once you had it?
Frequently asked questions
What age is The Elephant and the Bicycle suitable for?
Children aged 4 to 9. It has no words, so even young children can follow the story through its pictures.
Does The Elephant and the Bicycle have any words?
No. It tells its story in pictures, with no speech.
How long is The Elephant and the Bicycle?
About 9 minutes.
