Jean Jacques Sempé is a famous French cartoonist. Le petit Nicolas, which stories were based on his memories in childhood, was published in 1960s. My favorite story is Marcellin Caillou, but it translated Martin Pebble in America. The stories are dealing with the childhood of Martin and his best friend Ruddy Rocket.
Martin Pebble is a little boy, but his face turns red without particular reason. He has no friend because of his face keeps turning red. When everyone’s face turns red, he feels calm without red face. He tries to play alone, and he has no friend before he meets Ruddy.
Ruddy Rocket is a new neighbor of Martin, and he plays alone. He used to sneeze even though he plays the violin. After Martin and Ruddy became a friend, they never feel lonely. They never get bored when they stay together.
Sadness is coming to them. Ruddy moved out when Martin went to grandparent’s house. There is an interesting part of the stories about Martin’s parent that they are so busy to find Rubby’s letter. Therefore, Marin has no contract with his soul mate.
Finally, they met at the end of the stories, and they notice each other due to Ruddy’s sneezing and Martin’s red face. Finding a good friend is not easy, but it has the value of entire life. When I came to the U.S.A with my school mate, I was not afraid of anything. She became my family, and I did not feel any sorrow or lonely. I might have difficulties from the culture differences, but we enjoy doing new things. Nowadays, we use many technical devices that it easy to make contact with people. I still like surprising meat with friend like Martin and Ruddy.
