MEEP

Much like the Mars rover Opportunity, Meep, an all-terrain robotic vehicle, is equipped for whatever comes her way.

Her job involves taking photographs of the red planet and searching for signs of alien life—tasks she enthusiastically undertakes, almost like a friendly puppy eager for praise. Scientists back on Earth are thrilled with the data she collects, though disappointed that she hasn’t been able to provide evidence of extraterrestrials. Over time, Meep loses various parts, and when a sandstorm blocks the sun, rendering her solar panels useless, she must run on battery power. Meep has been so diligent that she seems almost human, and when she goes silent, it’s as though there’s been a death in the family, leaving the scientists to eulogize her through music. To their surprise, Meep contacts them again, crediting the love song they sent over the airwaves for her rejuvenation. But as the illustrations show, something else actually happened. Attentive readers of this tale, translated from Irish by the author, will realize exactly what took place during her silence and who besides the scientists has been following Meep’s every move across the planet. Meep’s earnest, appealing personality is supported effectively by the imaginative, out-of-this-world artwork, offering glimpses of the protagonist's perspective and what’s beyond her viewpoint. As with much of life, even on Mars, there’s often more than meets the eye. The human scientists vary in skin tone.

Quirky, offbeat, and sweet.