Keeping up with Findus

Findus the talking cat challenges Pettson to join him as he runs, jumps and clambers around the farm. Pettson tries to keep up, with comical results. However, there is one thing that he is very good at! Brightly illustrated with lively and lovable characters, the Findus series follows the adventures and misdemeanours of the mischievous Findus and Farmer Pettson along with their muckle friends. As they plant, forage, fish and discover and get up to all sorts of mayhem we can explore with them the ups and downs of friendship, fights and forgiveness.

Alongside the vibrant storylines the Findus books approach personal and social issues which the characters learn to overcome with humour and playfulness.

“Farmer Pettson decides it's time to sow vegetable seeds and plant potatoes, but his cat Findus does not want to grow vegetables: he likes meatballs so decides to grow those. What follows is a hilarious riot of seeds being sown, then all the chickens deciding to come and scratch them up and dig for worms. Findus and Pettson try desperately to protect the patch, but the characterful chickens are determined, and there is great humour in the dialogue and illustrations. Eventually a truce is reached, but then a pig and a herd of cows trample their hard work. It's a classic catch-and-chase story brilliantly done. Juno This was our first time meeting Findus and Pettson and we were delighted when we opened the package to find that they are beautiful, large hardback books! We were very excited to get started and Bundle Number One chose this book to share first (probably because he loves meatballs and we have been planting seeds in our garden recently!) The story begins 'On a beautiful Spring morning...' ideal seeing as we have a seasonal focus here at Monster House and Bundle Number One is currently fascinated with all things 'Spring'. A stunningly beautiful double paged illustration depicts Farmer Pettson at work in his garden, preparing to start planting...'It's time' he said 'today we can sow vegetables and plant potatoes...'but Findus the cat has other ideas...'...Can't we plant meatballs instead?' The story follows the two friends as they sow their seeds (and meatball!) only for their efforts to be scuppered by their hungry hens! They soon find a way to trick the cheeky hens back inside the fence. The next day there is more trouble, the Hens have found their way out again ...or have they? Add to this the worry of a fox and something has to be done! Findus and Pettson come up with a clever plan to stay up and guard the farm all night, brave Findus takes up his position in his tree house and waits...The next morning, Pettson is awoken by an alarmed Findus and discovers that this time, an entire herd of cows have found their way in... Cows! So how do they trick the cows out of their garden, and does Findus ever manage to plant a meatball...? Well, you will have to read the book and find out. This book really is lovely, a well written story with a humorous plot that adults and children alike can enjoy. The illustrations are excellent, the more you look at them the more details you see, look out for the tiny creatures in the background...Bundle Number One absolutely loved this story and I was amazed that he sat and listened for such a long story (in comparison to his usual picture books) I think the combination of excitement, humour and detailed, absorbing illustrations worked their magic. These are his thoughts on the story; 'It was funny when the chickens dig for worms because they make a mess and I like it when Findus wakes up Pettson and the string is tied around his big toe and the pictures are funny!' This story has been requested, and shared many times since it arrived and we look forward to sharing our next Findus and Pettson review with you!...as for how the friends trick the cows out of their garden, and does Findus ever manage to grow a meatball? You will have to read the book to find out -- Bundle Number One”

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.

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.

‘…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.

'The characters are quirky and original, and illustrations are absolutely delightful … I can't recommend them highly enough.'

Philip Pullman

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.

Sven Nordqvist is a leading Swedish children's illustrator and writer. Nordqvist was born in Helsingborg and grew up in Halmstad, Sweden. He originally wanted to be an illustrator but was rejected by several art schools. Instead, he studied architecture in Lund and worked as a lecturer in architecture in the university. Meanwhile, he looked for work as an illustrator of advertisements, posters, and picture books. In 1983, he won first prize in a children's book competition and since then has worked exclusively as an author and illustrator of children's books, which have won awards in Sweden and Germany. The Findus and Pettson stories draw on his own playful adventures with his two young sons. Nordqvist's unique illustrations are inspired by his delight in everyday life.

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