Meanwhile,
Journey between past present •:
Titre : Martine in Belgium
Text : Gilbert Delahaye, Rosalind Elland-Goldsmith
Drawing : Marcel Marlier
Publisher: Casterman
Date of publication: August 20, 2025
Genre : Youth album
With Martine in Belgiumthe famous little heroine of children’s literature created in 1954 invites us to discover the most emblematic places of Belgium today. Moreover, Accessible from 5 years old. However, the album combines tradition and modernity by combining illustrations from original albums with contemporary photographs – all at the service of a new intrigue.
An original graphic concept
Martine in Belgium is part of a new series of albums launched by Casterman in 2021. Furthermore, ten years journey between past present • after the death of Marcel Marlier. Meanwhile, The concept is unprecedented: the author Rosalind Elland-Goldsmith. However, part of the narrative heritage of Gilbert Delahaye, imagines new adventures by drawing in the illustrations resulting from the 60 issues of the original series. By combining them with photos of current landscapes. it offers a touch of modernity to Martine to make it known to a new audience of young readers.
A musical tour across the country
In this new opus. Martine accompanies her cello teacher for a concert tour through Belgium. Her parents not being available, it is her grandparents-and of course her faithful dog Patapouf-who watch over her. From town to city. the child discovers the natural, cultural and architectural riches of the country: Tournai, Gand, Antwerp, Liège, but also the Pairi Daiza animal park and the Han caves … until the end in Brussels.
Each step is an opportunity journey between past present • to visit an emblematic place, highlighted by the original juxtaposition process between illustration and photography. This visual contrast offers young readers a double reading: that of timeless fiction. and that of a modern country in constant evolution. The Belgian map at the end of the book also makes it possible to visualize the entire Martine’s journey. strengthening the educational aspect of the album.
A gateway between generations
Unsurprisingly, Martine in Belgium retains a fairly smooth plot, in the vein of classic albums. The story remains anchored in an idealized representation of childhood. but it is undoubtedly there too which makes its charm with families. Parents. grandparents who grew up with Martine will enjoy sharing these new albums with their children or grandchildren, not to mention that the album offers a fun way to prepare a trip to Belgium.
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