maknak

I think I have become addicted to these quirky little picture books. The books in the series were originally published in Swedish and not all have been translated into English. Most are also, sadly, out of print. The characters' names have also been translated as Findus and Pettson, which actually make more sense. The farmer is "Pettson" and his little cat is "Findus" because his neighbor first brings the kitten to him in a box marked 'Findus Green Peas'. Findus (or 'Mercury' in this translation) is something like an irrepressible five-year-old child and Pettson (or 'Festus') is his ever patient guardian/friend. The illustrations are full of delightful little eccentricities. Every time you look at them, you see something new. In this episode, while Pettson is searching for his fishing pole in the attic, Findus finds a rolled up tent. After Pettson explains what it is for, Findus begs to go on a camping trip. The two set off on a hike to the lake, where they plan to fish and camp. They are waylaid, however, by Pettson's group of recalcitrant hens who insist they want to go too. The story proceeds at a leisurely pace that mirrors Pettson's calm manner, while Findus' antics skitter all around the pages. These stories are so perfect on so many levels. There is a sweet but wry humor that will have adults chuckling, while the detailed illustrations will capture the attention of children of about age four and up. I so wish they would all be translated and reissued.

2020-08-11 06:35