Around the World with Friends by Philip Waechter. Translated from the German by Melody Shaw. Gecko Press, 2024, c2023. 9781776575985
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Animal fiction
What did you like about the book? Raccoon has read an exciting book with “adventure, drama and thrills…” and wants to go off on an adventure of his own around the world. He gathers Badger with a boat and paddle, Fox, who has eggs to eat, Bear, who will protect them, and Crow, who will be lookout. The friends set off in the inflatable red boat in good moods. They encounter a snake and wasps, rain, and rapids on the river, and they swim and play soccer. As the sun sets and the friends head home, they agree that the adventure was a perfect day.
This delightful tale is the perfect story for a lazy, slightly boring summer day, when an adventure with friends is the perfect thing to do. Waechter’s cinematic illustrations, made with black ink fine line pens and then colored with pen and crayon, are just lovely. Each animal is clothed according to personality – slouchy Raccoon wears a plaid shirt, hardworking Fox has on red overalls, Badger wears a suit, befitting an older gentleman, and Bear has on denim coveralls, just like in the friends’ previous adventure A Perfect Day with Friends. (Crow just has feathers on, for ease of flying.) I loved the luminous colors, applied with sponges, especially as the sun dips lower. And there are lots of wonderful details in the homes and neighborhood of the sweet village where they live. This is a winning picture book that is sure to inspire adventures during the lazy days of summer.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For ages 4-8, readers who like gentle adventures. Fans of the German author will be thrilled to see another work by him.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: June 13, 2024
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