LA GIOCOSTORIA DEI BLACCI

Long ago, there were billions of stars shining in the sky; there were no shadows or dark places, only light and happiness. Every star was inhabited by tiny luminous creatures called the Blacci. What a funny name! You should know, dear children, that they are called this because they lived in the arms (braccia) of the stars, and it was they who allowed the stars to shine.

One day, however, someone in the universe began to feel jealous of the Blacci's light that brought so much joy. It was the Black Hole Monster, a very dark being, who decided to drive all the Blacci away from the stars. He began to tease them so much that they became truly sad. You see, the Blacci are very sensitive creatures, and because of the Black Hole Monster's cruelty, they no longer felt "good enough" to live in the stars. So, they decided to set off on a long journey in search of their lost happiness. But some of the stars, left without their inhabitants, went out.

And that is why, one day, the Blacci began to arrive on our Earth. Many are already here, and others will come. But do not fear! They are not dangerous and are very easy to find: their main feature? Light!

There are two types of Blacci: the extroverted ones, who give off a red to yellow light, called Red Blacci, and the more reserved ones, who give off a green to blue light, called Blue Blacci.

The stars have asked for our help: we must convince the Blacci to return home, where they were happy, otherwise the whole sky will go dark. The Black Hole Monster lives in the sky, but he has sent his henchmen, the Shadows, to Earth to extinguish the Blacci who came here. But do not be afraid: the Shadows cannot do anything to children—in fact, they are afraid of them!

I don’t want the sky to go dark, do you? We must do something!

First, we must learn to spot the Blacci. They don’t have a specific shape, though they are usually very small and bright. They might hide in the light of the TV, in your bedroom, or in any other light source. You will know a Blaccio is there because these lights will also make a tiny “ssssssssss” sound.

To help the stars, we must convince the Blacci to go home. But how? We must create contact with them and make them feel at ease. For your first meeting, it’s best to wear a mask, which you can create and color however you like. Don’t forget to draw a star on it to let them know you are friends!

Then, you must organize your plan: draw a map of your house and circle in blue the places where you find Blue Blacci, and in red where you find Red Blacci.

To earn the trust of the Blue Blacci, you must be kind and affectionate. They love sweets! You could offer them a cookie, which they will surely accept. Don’t worry if you don’t see any bite marks: the Blacci are tiny, so they can only eat a single crumb. This way, you can offer the same treat to many Blue Blacci, and if you eat a bit too, it will be like having a snack together!

Your mission doesn’t end there: you must make them feel special and remind them that their happiness is inside them. Finally, recite this nursery rhyme:

Blue Blaccio, Blue Blaccio,

Don’t feel so low.

You shine so bright,

What a beautiful sight!

Don't feel like you’re less,

Trust your own loveliness!

But we both know it’s true,

This place isn't for you.

To your star friends you must roam,

You are special, now go home!

For the Red Blacci, the mission is a bit different. They love games, so you must play near them, or with them, if you can. After a few games, it will be time to convince them to return. You must help them understand that happiness is inside them, and recite this rhyme:

Red Blaccio, Red Blaccio,

I know you love to play so.

We’ve had great fun today,

But your star friends are far away.

They need your help, it’s true,

You won't let the Black Hole win, will you?

You’re not less than the rest, you see,

Just look inside and happy you’ll be.

You are not less, not at all,

Look at your glow, stand tall!

But, dear children, your adventure isn't over yet! You must also face the Black Hole Monster's henchmen, who want to swallow all the Blacci. The Black Hole is very dark, and that’s why the Blacci are afraid of the dark. But don’t worry, defeating the Shadows will be child’s play! All you have to do is use a flashlight like a sword of light and strike all the shadows you find. The Shadows won’t be able to do anything to you and will be forced to flee!

What are we waiting for? Let’s go help our star friends! They need us!