Palomino lives in a normal pony room: the walls are covered with posters and doodles of cute little girls. A doll sits by the door. On it a sticker with the inscription: “Girl Power”. And Palomino, the cheeky yellow pony, of course with the latest girls’ magazine in his hooves, jumps around excitedly on his bed: “I want my own girl!”
The “Palomino” series from France has now arrived in Germany with the first two volumes. Michaël Escoffier (text) from Lyon and Matthieu Maudet (illustrations) from Brittany simply turn an all too familiar situation from the everyday life of many children and parents upside down: the dream of having your own pet or horse becomes a pony dream of your own girl. A clever change of perspective.
Volumes one and two of “Palomino” will be published this spring, and the following two in 2024.
(Photo: Mixtvision Verlag)
Palomino’s parents, of course, are initially against it: “They need food, exercise, they need to be washed and brushed several times a day. And who should take care of them during the holidays?” But Palomino won’t be put off that easily, especially since his best friend Arizona already has a girl. And she also shows him where to find a horde of girls, namely on the other side of the river. Without thinking and above all without being able to swim, Palomino throws himself into the water.
The only downside to this book is that it’s a quick read
“Palomino” is a fast-paced, funny picture book, quickly told and colorfully drawn in comic style, with clear pictures and humorous details such as the fact that Palomino eats so fast with excitement that he forgets to chew. The dialogues are in speech bubbles. Well, a few terms like “mustang”, “adopt” or “withers” might be a little too difficult for four-year-olds, for whom the book is already recommended. But the recognition value for parents of children who really want something is high, as is the smile factor. And in the end, Palomino, just rescued from the river by a girl, gets his parents at least a little soft: “Can we invite them home as a thank you? – Fine, but only tonight!”
Michaël Escoffier, Matthieu Maudet: Palomino (Vol.1) and Not so wild, Palomino (Vol.2). Translated from the French by Bettina Bach. Mixtvision, Munich 2023, 32 pages each. 16 euros. From 4 years.
(Photo: Mixtvision)
think! “Tonight” becomes every weekend, as you learn in the second volume “Not so wild, Palomino”. In this, the pony rides, indeed almost flies, with his new girl through a gorge, but quickly puts her in great danger with his high spirits.
The only drawback of the two Palomino volumes: They are read quickly, the children immediately want more after the fast rides. Volumes 3 and 4 will not be available until spring 2024.