SVEN NORDQVIST (b. 1946) is a well-loved Swedish children's illustrator and writer. The Findus and Pettson stories draw on his playful adventures with his two young sons, and his unique illustrations are inspired by a delight in everyday life. Through his Findus series, Nordqvist hopes to create a world in which problems can find resolution, encouraging creative and practical thinking with his funny and charming narratives and playful and industrious characters.
I’ve been sent ‘Keeping up with Findus’ by Sven Nordqvist. Findus
the talking cat and Pettson the farmer in another of their
adventures of mayhem and fun from the well-known Swedish
illustrator and writer. In this story, Findus challenges Pettson to
some physical stunts, and Pettson gives it a go with hilarious
consequences, and a happy ending with a picnic of cinnamon buns and
meatballs.
*Blog: www.itsallaboutstories.blogspot.co.uk*
Yes, it can be hard keeping up with Findus. He’s a hyper-active cat
who never stops. But Hawthorn Press are doing well with their
publishing of Sven Nordqvist’s Findus and Pettson in translation by
Nathan Large. This latest book is original 2019 vintage and just as
enjoyable as the previous ones have been. You have to feel a
little sorry for Pettson. He’s old (-ish) and wants a quiet life,
but with a cat like Findus, what can you do? Well, you can refuse
to ‘hop on both feet and bounce all the way to the house.’ But
after that he gives in and gamely attempts Findus’s challenges. You
can guess who wins, can’t you? This is another sweet story, and the
appletree climbing took me straight back to my childhood summer
paradise. The nostalgia almost made me cry. And I must point out
that my paradise had no apple tree in it. That’s how strong the
Pettson and Findus magic is. I hope children will never grow too
old or too cool for this kind of book.
*Bookwitch*
‘…the pictures create a world, not only depicting the farmhouse and
surrounding countryside in irresistible detail, but also telling
humorous little sub-narratives about the tiny creatures that live
about the farm’ Nicolette Jones, The Sunday times
... more delightful comedy with the lovable characters of Farmer
Pettson and Findus, the talking cat, in a smaller format book aimed
at slightly younger readers. As ever, the eccentricities in the
characterisation, humorous conversations between Findus and Pettson
and the captivating illustrations retain the charm of the Findus
series.
*OutsideinWorld.org.uk*
'The characters are quirky and original, and illustrations are
absolutely delightful … I can't recommend them highly enough.'
Philip Pullman
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