A poet's view

After reading an advance copy of Mimi la Fourmis Eventyr (the Danish edition of The Adventures of Mimi la Fourmi), a Danish poet-friend sent me this email. I am touched and grateful for his thoughtful analysis and reactions to my little story. He’s quite right. Mimi is trusting. And adaptable. And willing to work to earn her keep.

The note is translated from the original Danish:

Dear Constance,

Thank you for, and congratulations on, your lovely little book, which radiates longing and a spirit of adventure from beginning to end. Now I understand why you became so preoccupied with the little ant, which by a stroke of luck suddenly finds itself transplanted to a completely different place. The parallel to your own life is already evident in your elegant thank you to Peter, just before the story itself begins.

Thank you also for your beautiful dedication to me (and for Peter’s consenting translation), which sets out the book’s second main theme. It is, after all, a story about friendship across all boundaries.

And one thing that is characteristic of the ant under the little red rosehip beret is that, despite all the changes, she is so trusting. The world is her anthill. (Incidentally, I think that le chapeau le plus chic for a woman is precisely such a red beret....)

I wouldn’t be surprised if your book becomes a hit in schools in some of the countries where it has been translated. Not only because of its global perspective, but also because there are so many interesting facts about ants in the story itself and in the fact box at the end.

And I must also remember to ask you to convey my thanks to Susan Longmire for her sweet and funny drawings.

And yes, I wrote this in Danish. Why wouldn’t I? The book is also proof that you have an excellent translator at your side.

So many warm regards and thanks to both of you.

And likewise: Most of all for your friendship.

Love, Christian

To which I could only reply: Kaere Christian, Venskab er, efter min mening, de bedste gave mand kan få. Jeg er meget takkenemlig for din.

Dear Christian, Friendship is, I believe, the best gift one can receive. I am very grateful for yours.

And to you, dear reader, I am also grateful.