Findus Disappears!

Gr 1–3—Originally published in Sweden, this folktale-like adventure of forgetful farmer Pettson and his cat, Findus, is a flashback to their first meeting and early days together. Pettson's neighbor notices his loneliness and suggests that he needs a wife. Pettson disagrees saying, "A whole woman—that would be too much." The neighbor then suggests a cat for company instead. Days later she reappears with a cardboard box labeled "Findus Green Peas" and a tiny kitten inside. Pettson accepts the gift and is delighted to have someone to talk to at home. He dearly wishes that Findus could talk back to him. Imagine his surprise when one day the feline actually begins speaking! Life is grand until one day Pettson awakes to discover that Findus is missing. Unbeknownst to the farmer, Findus was exploring and through a gap in the foundation found himself outside and alone. Scared by a "dreadful beast" (a badger) Findus hides in a box and cries. Too scared to make his whereabouts known when he hears the farmer calling, Findus is eventually befriended by clever little creatures called "mumbles." Through their efforts, Pettson and his cat are joyfully reunited. The large, full color, mixed-media illustrations are elaborate, containing many amusing details that encourage careful and repeated readings. A quirky and heartwarming tale.—Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY