Viola and the colour blue

Viola is a little girl who does not like to pretend play she is a princess, she would rather play football. She loves all colours, so much so that she writes their names with a capital, because to her they are just like people: each one is unique. Yet, many adults think that some colours are ‘for boys’ and others are ‘for girls’. She cannot understand why, so she asks her father, who is a painter and therefore knows a lot about colours. Through the dialogue between father and daughter, illustrated in monochromatic hues of blue and inspired by the conversations the author has with his own daughters, Matteo Bussola reflects on the theme of gender stereotypes through a mutual exchange that celebrates diversity and the importance of growing up respecting the many facets that life has to offer. With his distinctive ability to make even the deepest topic sound easy, and using sensitive language, the author shows adults and children how stereotypes are only gilded cages in which women and men end up living, often without even realising it. Colours, tastes and preferences do (or rather, should) not come with a label attached.  

Viola e il blu (Viola and the colour blue)
by Matteo Bussola
Salani, 2021