Findus and the Fox

Findus and the Fox

There’s a hen-hunting fox on the loose. But farmer Pettson and his quirky cat Findus agree that foxes shouldn’t be killed. They should be tricked. They come up with a fabulous plan which makes for an explosive, unforgettable night.

Farmer Pettson lives on a farm with his cat Findus. One day, their neighbour Gustavsson arrived with his dog and a shotgun. His face was grim. “Hello Pettson,” he said. “Have you had a visit from the fox?”

“No, not that I’ve noticed,” said Pettson.

“I think you’d have noticed if you had,” Gustavsson growled. “He stole one of my hens last night but he won’t be doing it again. Next time I see him, I’ll shoot him. He might come here tonight, when he finds my hens are locked away.” And off he went.

“Findus, that means we should lock our hens up now!” muttered Pettson.

“Foxes shouldn’t be shot,” said Findus. “They should be tricked.”

Pettson chuckled. “I agree, Findus. It’s a shame to shoot foxes. We’ll work out how to frighten it off, so it won’t want to eat a hen ever again.”

About the Author

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.