Review: Findus Rules the Roost

findus and rooster

Here is another review of Findus Rules the Roost, our tenth Findus and Pettson book. This one is from the incomparable Bookwitch – many thanks to her! You can read her blog here…

It might have been better if Gustavsson had made a stew out of his old rooster, considering the noise he makes. But Pettson is a real softie, so had to rescue the rooster and bring him home to his hens. And to poor Findus. Who has been best friends with the hens until this moment.

But from now on those ladies are very taken with their new rooster, even if he is rather loud. Findus is more direct, asking ‘what’s the good of that?’ when he realises the rooster is there to stay.

Or is he?

The hens fawn over him, and Pettson finds the crowing quite attractive. To begin with.

It’s pretty much like when your mother brings home a new baby and expects you to love it, and everyone else does love it and they seem to forget you. And there is noise, all the time, everywhere. Findus hides in the attic. Pettson talks to the rooster and sets limits. Everyone begins to feel upset. You can see Gustavsson’s point.

Findus is naughty and…

Well, the rooster knew how to – ahem – say goodbye nicely.

I love these books. I am in no danger of tiring anytime soon, even if Findus is a handful. But I do sometimes wonder what Pettson actually lives off. Sawing logs, fishing and picking redcurrants will only go so far. As will savouring the peace and quiet at the end of the day with Findus in the garden.

Buy the book here…

Read the Bookwitch blog here…

Review: Findus goes Fishing

Findus Goes Fishing; Sven Nordqvist; 9781907359729

My my, this book has barely been out nine days, and already we are on our third review of it! This one is from the Bookwitch, which is the name of both a wonderful website for the codexially inclined, and the woman who runs it. Many thanks to her for letting us share it here.

No sooner has Sven Nordqvist got his 70th birthday out of the way, but he has a new book out in English.

9781907359729

Findus goes Fishing is darker than many other Findus books. Pettson is depressed. He sits and stares into space and he sighs and he gets angry with Findus (who – it has to be said – is behaving like a rather hyper toddler).

Finally Findus realises this is not something he can sort of jumpstart with some fooling around. He suggests going fishing. Pettson doesn’t want to fish.

In the end it takes some trickery from Findus before Pettson gives in. And what do you know? Just getting out makes him feel better. Fishing makes him feel better still. He almost smiles at the end. (And this is Pettson. He doesn’t do smiling.)

Findus goes fishing

This just shows you two things; Findus is a very kind cat (deep down), and getting out of the house cheers you up.

Sometimes I wonder if these books are for children at all. It is quiet humour and lessons in living for us old ones. And it is art. That landscape they walk through to go fishing is stark and dark (and I really don’t like it…), but it is so true. A person could study the details for hours.

p19-20 For a whole 15 mins

Get it for yourself! Never mind the little ones.

Buy the book here…

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