The Trip to Panama

Hop on an adventure with a little bear and a little tiger as they set out to discover the enchanting land of Panama. Along their journey, they face challenges and meet new friends. This charming tale, beautifully illustrated by Janosch, celebrates hope and the magic of friendship. As they explore, what lessons will they learn about the true meaning of companionship and the wonders that lie ahead?

Janosch, born Horst Eckert in 1931 in the Silesian town of Hindenburg (now Zabrze, Poland), is a children's author known for his imaginative storytelling and charming illustrations. His early life was marked by hardships, including a difficult family background and the challenges of wartime. After relocating to Germany, Janosch began his journey by training as a blacksmith, which he considered a formative experience that inspire in him the belief that »nothing is impossible«.

After a brief stay in Paris, he moved to Munich in 1953 to study at the Academy of Fine Arts, but he left due to lack of talent. Embracing his creativity, he worked as a freelance artist and began writing in 1956. A friend's encouragement led him to create children's books, and he adopted the pen name »Janosch«. His first published work, Die Geschichte von Valek dem Pferd, appeared in 1960, marking the beginning of his  career.

Janosch's works are distinguished by their endearing characters and themes of adventure and friendship. Notable among them are the little bear and the little tiger from The Trip to Panama, which resonate deeply with both children and adults. In 1980, seeking recovery from an illness, he moved to a house in the mountains of Tenerife, which he later made his permanent residence. Despite his fame, Janosch has expressed a desire for privacy, stating in interviews

»I am truly an autist. I would prefer to be invisible.«

His stories have also been adapted for television, with programs like Janoschs Traumstunde in german tv.

Sometimes, special stories come to you by chance – that's how I reconnected with The Trip to Panama. While passing a small second hand bookstore, I found a Plattdeutsch edition of the book. I bought it not only because I already loved the story, but also to challenge myself with the dialect. It wasn’t too difficult to understand, certain terms like “Lüt” (meaning klein / small) were not new to me. These regional differences only added to the charm of this version. A small glossary might help, but overall, the magic of the story remains universal.

My connection to The Trip to Panama goes back to my childhood, when I stumbled upon the movie adaptation in TV. My brother an me were instantly drawn into Janosch's world. The characters – the bear, the tiger, and the iconic Tiger Duck – along with the simple yet heartwarming plot.

As a child, the adventure feels grand and full of wonder. You follow the bear and tiger on their journey to Panama, never really knowing what to expect next. When you're young, the story feels straightforward, but revisiting it as an adult, you notice subtle hints. The brilliance of The Trip to Panama lies in its ability to grow with its readers – what begins as a simple children’s tale reveals itself to be a story about happiness, choices, and finding joy in the present moment.

What’s special about the book is that it doesn’t directly tell you this message. Instead, it leaves it to the reader to figure out through the beautifully crafted images and storytelling. Speaking of images, the illustrations are a huge part of what makes this book so special. They’re hand drawn, full of love and care, and you can feel the artist’s personal touch on every page. This handmade quality gives the book a unique feel  that you can’t replicate. It gives the story a distinct look and atmosphere that feels irreplaceable. I loved the design of the bear with his little hat.

Beyond all that, this book also serves as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to our inner child. As we grow older, it’s easy to lose touch with that sense of wonder and imagination we had when we were young. Revisiting the stories that enchanted us as children allows us to nurture that connection.

The story transcends time and language – whether you read it in Plattdeutsch or any other version, the message remains as powerful as ever.

In conclusion, The Trip to Panama is one of those rare books that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. It’s a story that invites you to embark on a journey, not only to distant lands but also into your own heart, where you might realize that what you’re searching for has always been right in front of you.