The Tale of Girafficorn

Earlier this month, I was assigned to write a creative fairy tale for my critical reading and writing class. Not only were we supposed to make an original story, but we were also supposed to present it in front of the class with a visual element of our choice. Needless to say, this project had me hooked right off the bat. I already had an idea of what type of protagonists I wanted to use in the story – primarily because I actually created the characters 6 years ago! The wonderful thing about being creative is having the ability to produce several ideas and having them bounce around in the back your head, even if you don’t have the chance to use them all at once. This project not only allowed me to find an outlet for my idea, but it also allowed me to show off my drawing skills in the process!  So without further adieu, I present to you…

 

Over the cleanest of creeks and beyond the reddest of peaks, there once was a land known as Bloomingham. Full of open spaces and life-sized fungi, it was a fantastical place in which every living creature could coexist. It was a melting pot full of humans, animals, and magical beings alike. Everyone who lived in Bloomingham lived a very happy and humble life. Everyone that is, except for one.

 

Half giraffe, half unicorn, the Girafficorn was one creature that was a hundred percent grumpy. With a seething scowl on his face, there was nothing in the world that could satisfy him. Was he always like this? Or was he simply born a grumpy Girafficorn? No one in Bloomingham really knew the answer.

 

One day as Girafficorn was trudging along, he came across a pair of sprites conversing amongst themselves, gabbing and giggling away. The sight made Girafficorn narrow his eyes in disgust. “Bah!” he sneered, as the sprites gawked at him in bewilderment as he trudged along.

 

As Girafficorn went on his way, he passed a three-man band that was practicing their chords. The very sound of their instruments made Girafficorn cringe. “Feh”, he grumbled as he moved along without giving a second glance.

 

He soon approached a grand portabella mushroom that stood three stories high. Under the mushroom lay Bork, a short statured but simple viking who was cherishing the shade. “Look around you,” greeted Bork as he gestured towards the surrounding environment. “The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the grass is brimming with vibrancy. Doesn’t it make your heart happy?” Girafficorn clenched his teeth and his horn began to glow. Before Bork could react, Girafficorn shot a blast of energy from his horn, narrowly missing the mushroom and the poor viking.

 

In a fit of rage, Girafficorn flew away from the mushroom and into the distance. Puzzled but determined, Bork followed the rainbow trail in the sky left by Girafficorn to find out what was bothering him.

 

Bork eventually followed the trail all the way to a vacant field on the outskirts of Bloomingham. As he surveyed the area, Bork noticed a shrub and peeked inside to see if Girafficorn was there.

 

To his surprise, Bork found a small music box made of old birch wood. He picked it up from the ground and opened it, but no music played from inside. All of a sudden, Bork noticed a large shadow tower over him. When he turned around, saw that it was Girafficorn standing from behind!

 

However, something was much different about Girafficorn this time. Instead of being bitter and angry, he appeared to be somber and troubled. “I’m not going to hurt you”, Girafficorn reassured Bork. “That music box was a gift my parents gave me when I was little. Ever since it broke, my life has not been the same without its sweet sound. I would try to fix it myself, but I cannot, for I have hooves instead of hands.” Bork looked thoughtfully at the moping Girafficorn, wishing there was some way he could help.

 

Suddenly, Bork got a wonderful idea. “Stay right where you are!” he told Girafficorn as he dashed away from the field.

 

An entire hour had passed and Girafficorn had fallen fast asleep. He was woken up from his nap by a very faint noise. As Girafficorn gained consciousness, the unknown noise became louder and bolder. Once he had fully woken up, Girafficorn’s face lit up in amazement.

 

A group of people from Bloomingham had walked over to the field to play music for Girafficorn! With the lovely instrumentation of the band and the harmonious singing of the sprites, it was truly a sound to behold. Bork had caught up with the rest of the crowd and stood in front of Girafficorn. “We may not be able to fix your music box”, he explained, “but we hope we can provide you with something more!”

 

Girafficorn was moved. He had never expected anyone to reach out to him. “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” Girafficorn exclaimed as his frown slowly turned into a smile. “Thank you!” And so Girafficorn, Bork, and the rest of the Bloominghamians played and sang and danced well into the late hours of the evening.  Bork’s act of kindness that day had turned the grumpy Girafficorn into a gratified Girafficorn.

I hope you enjoyed my little story! I ended up creating 14 illustrations over the course of 5 days – during what was probably one of the busiest weeks of my semester thus far. I’d say it was well worth the challenge and it payed off in the long run. I’m just glad that I can entertain and inspire people through my artwork. Little things like that keep me going.

(Y’know, if I ever ended up becoming a professional children’s book illustrator…I  wouldn’t mind at all.)