Today's read greets from Germany and is being released in English next month. As a German/American household, this book, obviously, catches my attention. As a translator, I'm also very critical on these translations...which probably isn't fair, so I try not to get too harsh on that end. I do love the cover, too. These animals look like they are up to something, and I'm betting it will hold a bit of humor and imagination.
Best way to find out is to open up the book and take a look!
SAME TIME, NEXT WEEK?
by Marlene Droop
Translated by Alisha Niehaus Berger
NorthSouth Books
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING SEPTEMBER 15th!!!
This sweet and funny road trip story celebrates finding support in friendship, even when things don’t go as expected.
Giraffe, Sheep, Turtle, and Crocodile have a common goal: to see the stars. They head out of the bright city on a road trip into the dark countryside. But plans can change when rain showers, snack breaks, and naps get in the way. Before they know it, the sun is rising! No big deal, say the friends, they can reach for the stars again. Same time, next week?
A gently humorous tale about friendship, expectations, and enjoying the journey by debut author-illustrator Marlene Droop.
Giraffe, Sheep, Turtle, and Crocodile have a common goal: to see the stars. They head out of the bright city on a road trip into the dark countryside. But plans can change when rain showers, snack breaks, and naps get in the way. Before they know it, the sun is rising! No big deal, say the friends, they can reach for the stars again. Same time, next week?
A gently humorous tale about friendship, expectations, and enjoying the journey by debut author-illustrator Marlene Droop.
MY TIDBITS
This tale is woven with a gentle tone, which invites to calmness, security, and dreams.
Giraffe and Turtle are underway in the van to pick up their friends Crocodile and Sheep. Together, they want to see the stars. Since the city lights make it impossible to view the gorgeous night sky, they head out into the country. But then, the entire sky is covered in dark clouds. The friends aren't sure what they'll do.
This read soothes while offering a little imagination and sense of friendship. The animals slide in with a sense of playful fantasy. The illustrations strengthen this atmosphere as they stick to a child-like style and let each scene unfold without even a dash of urgency. Instead, the car ride comes across with familiarity while each animal sneaks in a tiny twist of humor here and there to keep everything light and give them personality. When things don't go as the friends intended, they take it in stride without the slightest hint of negativity to create a wholesome read with goodness pure. So, this is a lovely read to ease into quiet hours.
The text stays at a few lines on each page, making it a quick read and ideal for groups or single settings. The vocabulary and tale fit even the younger end of the age group nicely. While there is a message surrounding expectations and what happens when they aren't met, this is very light and steers very clear of any preachiness. Instead, the tale feels a bit directionless. The friends are expectant but never seem to be overly excited to see the stars; they have very little reaction when the storm comes; and they don't really say or do too much when the sun rises. So, it stays fairly mundane on that end. But that's also what makes it a more soothing read to enjoy. The fantasy invites in, the animals will have readers wishing they could accompany them, and there is a gentle adventure to enjoy before drifting off to sleep.
And here she is...
Marlene Droop studied graphic design in her hometown of Münster, Germany. She then moved to Hamburg to pursue a master’s degree in illustration. Her first young adult novel, Echt das Leben und Ich (Real Life and Me), was published in 2024 and nominated for the Stiftung Buchkunst award for the most beautiful German book.
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