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Pettson och Findus #3
Петсон грустит
Что делать, если твой друг ни с того ни с сего впал в хандру? Надо немедленно вернуть ему хорошее настроение! Самый веселый и изобретательный в мире кот Финдус способен развеселить кого угодно, даже угрюмого старика Петсона. Как ему это удается? Одной левой лапой!
22 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
1 person is currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Sven Nordqvist
182 books283 followersSven Nordqvist (born 30 April 1946) is a Swedish writer and illustrator of children's books. He is best known for his series Pettson and Findus, about an old farmer, Pettson, and his talented cat, Findus.
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 at Lund Institute of Technology, and worked for a time there as a lecturer in architecture. At the same time he continued to look for work as an illustrator working on 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.
He is married and has two grown sons.
During his career, he has been given awards in both Sweden and Germany. His Pettson and Findus books are especially popular in Germany, where the characters are known as Pettersson and Findus. In Danish they are called Peddersen and Findus. In Finnish they are called Pesonen and Viiru. And in English, Festus and Mercury, though English translations of the books exist with the original names kept.
In 2007 he won the literary award Augustpriset in the children's books category, for his book Var är min syster? ("Where is my sister?"). In 1992 he won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis
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 at Lund Institute of Technology, and worked for a time there as a lecturer in architecture. At the same time he continued to look for work as an illustrator working on 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.
He is married and has two grown sons.
During his career, he has been given awards in both Sweden and Germany. His Pettson and Findus books are especially popular in Germany, where the characters are known as Pettersson and Findus. In Danish they are called Peddersen and Findus. In Finnish they are called Pesonen and Viiru. And in English, Festus and Mercury, though English translations of the books exist with the original names kept.
In 2007 he won the literary award Augustpriset in the children's books category, for his book Var är min syster? ("Where is my sister?"). In 1992 he won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 30, 2023
4,5 Sterne
In diesem Band der Reihe ist der alte Pettersson traurig und hat schlechte Laune. Kater Findus gibt sich Mühe, ihn aufzuheitern, aber es funktioniert nicht. Petterssons Laune bessert sich nicht. Nun muss sich Findus etwas einfallen lassen...
Wieder einmal eine sehr schöne Geschichte aus dieser Reihe. Gut finde ich, dass auch Pettersson hier einmal nicht nur gut gelaunt ist. Sehr authentisch. Ansonsten wieder zeitlos und herzerwärmend.
In diesem Band der Reihe ist der alte Pettersson traurig und hat schlechte Laune. Kater Findus gibt sich Mühe, ihn aufzuheitern, aber es funktioniert nicht. Petterssons Laune bessert sich nicht. Nun muss sich Findus etwas einfallen lassen...
Wieder einmal eine sehr schöne Geschichte aus dieser Reihe. Gut finde ich, dass auch Pettersson hier einmal nicht nur gut gelaunt ist. Sehr authentisch. Ansonsten wieder zeitlos und herzerwärmend.
December 4, 2024
Es ist Herbst, das Wetter ist herbstlich, und Pettersson hat schlechte Laune. Er will nicht raus, will nicht mit Findus spielen, hat zu gar nichts Lust. Kater Findus möchte Pettersson aufmuntern, doch das ist gar nicht so einfach. Doch Findus ist pfiffig und hat eine Idee...
💜 Zuckersüß! Ich mag diese Folge besonders gerne, weil sich Findus so viel Mühe gibt, den armen Pettersson aufzumuntern.
💜 Zuckersüß! Ich mag diese Folge besonders gerne, weil sich Findus so viel Mühe gibt, den armen Pettersson aufzumuntern.
October 27, 2015
As with my previous reading in this series, I have a strong suspicion that there have been some changes made during the translation process in addition to the names of the characters being inexplicably changed, but not having the original or knowing the language I can't say for sure. The tone seemed different as well as the personalities.
But, kudos to Nordqvist for addressing depression in a picture book, and making it neither too serious or slight.
But, kudos to Nordqvist for addressing depression in a picture book, and making it neither too serious or slight.
September 28, 2014
A charming Swedish children's book about depression. Pettson is an eccentric farmer who lives alone with his manic cat Findus - there is a whole series, and one can safely assume that this won't be the first time the reader has met them. Usually Pettson is no worse than grumpy and a little out of it, but now he's suddenly got no energy at all. He sits listless and dejected, with a symbolic rain cloud hovering over his head. (The artwork tends to be on the magical realist side). Findus does his best to cheer him up with his usual mad antics, but all that happens is that Pettson yells at him. This shocks both the man and the cat. Pettson apologises, but then just reverts to his apathetic state.
But Findus isn't beaten yet. He knows exactly what Pettson needs, and starts a clever campaign to persuade him that he should take his boat and go fishing on the lake. Fishing, Pettson! Fishing is funnnn!!! My favourite picture is the one where the cat is sitting in the washing-up bowl and pretending it's the boat, as he play-acts fishing on the living room floor and catches imaginary pike out of the rug.
After a while, he coaxes a grudging smile out of the farmer. Aha! It's starting to work! And, sure enough, Pettson laboriously hauls himself out of his chair and gets his fishing rod. They set off through the late October forest with Findus in Pettson's backpack and go down to the water.
As they sit in the boat, Findus notes to his satisfaction that Pettson is now almost back to his usual self. He doesn't need to do anything else - the sunlight and fresh air will take care of it for him. And, indeed, when they set off home with two freshly-caught perch, everything is okay again.
You will gather that SAD is a big problem in Sweden, and kids need to learn about it early on.
But Findus isn't beaten yet. He knows exactly what Pettson needs, and starts a clever campaign to persuade him that he should take his boat and go fishing on the lake. Fishing, Pettson! Fishing is funnnn!!! My favourite picture is the one where the cat is sitting in the washing-up bowl and pretending it's the boat, as he play-acts fishing on the living room floor and catches imaginary pike out of the rug.
After a while, he coaxes a grudging smile out of the farmer. Aha! It's starting to work! And, sure enough, Pettson laboriously hauls himself out of his chair and gets his fishing rod. They set off through the late October forest with Findus in Pettson's backpack and go down to the water.
As they sit in the boat, Findus notes to his satisfaction that Pettson is now almost back to his usual self. He doesn't need to do anything else - the sunlight and fresh air will take care of it for him. And, indeed, when they set off home with two freshly-caught perch, everything is okay again.
You will gather that SAD is a big problem in Sweden, and kids need to learn about it early on.
July 6, 2023
Šaunuolis užsispyrėlis katinas!! Knygelė apie užsispyrimą, nepasidavimą, draugystę. Kaip visada, nuostabi knygelė apie Petsono ir Finduso draugystę 😍
December 10, 2020
Ah Pettson and Findus big favorites of my childhood, still as magical and fun as it has always been. This particular book deals with Pettson having a sad and bad day and Findus his always happy and crazy cat what's to cheer him up and go fishing. Sucks a lovely read, a must read for those who wants to read a good swedish kids book
April 12, 2025
Ich liebe die Geschichten von Pettersson und Findus und lese sie deshalb auch in unregelmäßigen Abständen immer wieder. Für Kinder sind sie einfach lustig, die Dynamik zwischen dem Kater und dem alten grummeligen Mann ist einfach wundervoll.
Aber auch Erwachsene können sich jedes Mal ein paar anregende Gedanken mitnehmen, wie beispielsweise in dieser Geschichte, in der es Pettersson nicht gut geht und der Kater ihn zu einem Angelausflug überredet bzw. überlistet. Pettersson bricht aus seinem Alltagstrott aus und die kleine erzwungene Auszeit in der Natur hellt seine Laune wieder auf.
Aber auch Erwachsene können sich jedes Mal ein paar anregende Gedanken mitnehmen, wie beispielsweise in dieser Geschichte, in der es Pettersson nicht gut geht und der Kater ihn zu einem Angelausflug überredet bzw. überlistet. Pettersson bricht aus seinem Alltagstrott aus und die kleine erzwungene Auszeit in der Natur hellt seine Laune wieder auf.
December 4, 2018
Festus and Mercury: Wishing to Go Fishing, 1991 American translation of Stackars Pettson.
This third entry in Sven Nordqvist's series of picture-books about the doings of an irascible old farmer named Pettson, and his faithful (and rather demanding) feline companion Findus (Festus and Mercury in this translation), originally published in Swedish as Stackars Pettson, is as astute a portrait of the give and take, the ups and downs of friendship, as any I have seen in the world of children's literature. When Festus becomes lost in abstraction and gloom one rainy fall day, nothing Mercury does to try and snap him out of his bad mood - antics at the table, singing songs, playing a pretend game of fishing - seems to work. Finally, the determined cat hits upon the right strategy, using his human's concern for him (Mercury) to get him going...
I enjoyed this story immensely, not least because it had that sharpness of character, that essential goodheartedness, hidden under a crusty, rather than a sweet exterior, that I have come to associate with these books. Sometimes, in moments of sadness or anger, we lose our patience, even with those we love, and that comes through loud and clear in Festus' anger at Mercury's continued attempts to cheer him up. Mercury's persistence, in the face of Festus' shouting, and then collapse into depression, is really quite poignant, and his deceptive methods (to which he later confesses) are quite amusing. That combination of poignancy and fun is irresistible, especially when the outcome is so very happy! The underlying messages - that sometimes all we need, to start feeling better, is to get going, and that thinking of others, rather than ourselves, will help in that process - are worked so seamlessly into the story, that there is not the slightest whiff of didacticism. Throw in some of Nordqvist's incredibly detailed illustrations - I've just noticed that there is a cast of little creatures looking on, in most scenes! How did I miss that, before? - and this is just a superb picture-book experience!
This third entry in Sven Nordqvist's series of picture-books about the doings of an irascible old farmer named Pettson, and his faithful (and rather demanding) feline companion Findus (Festus and Mercury in this translation), originally published in Swedish as Stackars Pettson, is as astute a portrait of the give and take, the ups and downs of friendship, as any I have seen in the world of children's literature. When Festus becomes lost in abstraction and gloom one rainy fall day, nothing Mercury does to try and snap him out of his bad mood - antics at the table, singing songs, playing a pretend game of fishing - seems to work. Finally, the determined cat hits upon the right strategy, using his human's concern for him (Mercury) to get him going...
I enjoyed this story immensely, not least because it had that sharpness of character, that essential goodheartedness, hidden under a crusty, rather than a sweet exterior, that I have come to associate with these books. Sometimes, in moments of sadness or anger, we lose our patience, even with those we love, and that comes through loud and clear in Festus' anger at Mercury's continued attempts to cheer him up. Mercury's persistence, in the face of Festus' shouting, and then collapse into depression, is really quite poignant, and his deceptive methods (to which he later confesses) are quite amusing. That combination of poignancy and fun is irresistible, especially when the outcome is so very happy! The underlying messages - that sometimes all we need, to start feeling better, is to get going, and that thinking of others, rather than ourselves, will help in that process - are worked so seamlessly into the story, that there is not the slightest whiff of didacticism. Throw in some of Nordqvist's incredibly detailed illustrations - I've just noticed that there is a cast of little creatures looking on, in most scenes! How did I miss that, before? - and this is just a superb picture-book experience!
May 6, 2012
Absolutely one of the best children's books I've read in a while. Mercury's antics and irrepressible desire to cheer up his master made me laugh out loud and reminded me far too much of my own children. It was also a delight to go back through the illustrations in careful search for the small creatures that populate each page. I can't wait to hit the library in search of more books from this series!
June 8, 2019
SKA DU VARA HÄR INNE SÅ FÅR DU GÅ UT!
Read
November 22, 2022Foarte simpatica povestea lui Findus. Pe cat de enervant e, pe atat de hazliu e. De aceasta data Findus incearca sa il binedispuna pe Pettson care e morocanos. Ilustratiile sunt superbe, le-au placut foarte mult copiilor.
February 6, 2021
Книжечки-картинки для молодших діток найчастіше бувають просто-таки бравурно радісними, неймовірно яскравими і крикливо-веселими. Водночас уже у п'ять-шість років дитина здатна переживати дуже складні емоції. «Коли Петсон сумує» — це дитяча книжечка про смуток, при чому про той його дивний різновид, що ми звемо "світовою тугою" — коли явного приводу сумувати немає, але отаке щось накриває: погода за вікном не тішить, робити нічого не хочеться і все дратує. Дідуньо Петсон засумував, а його невгамовний котик Фіндус, як завжди, хоче гратися і розважатися і ні хвилинки не може всидіти на місці. Петсон же прагне спокою і тиші, тож він гаркає на Фіндуса, щоб той не заважав йому. Фіндус роздумує, як би витягнути Петсона із цієї зажури, і вирішує, що добре було б піти порибалити. Хитрощами він таки виманює Петсона на риболовлю. І це дійсно допомагає: завжди добре десь вийти розвіятися замість того, щоб сидіти цілісінький день удома. Недарма Фіндуса — найкращий друг дідуся Петсона, він завжди знає, як йому допомогти.
January 2, 2019
Viiru ja Pesonen -kirjat olivat moneen kertaan luettuja esikoisen ollessa nuorempi. Tämä kyseinen kirja ei ollut aivan jäänyt muistini syövereihin, sillä huomasin lukiessani yllättyvän iloisesti tarinan kulusta ja upeista syksyisistä kuvituksista.
Kuvakirjan avulla oli helppo keskustella lasten kanssa tunteista ja siitä, kuinka aikuisia joskus vaan saattaa kiukuttaa jo aamusta alkaen. Ja kuinka paljon kiukku helpottaa, kun lähtee ulos tai puuhailemaan jotain aivan muuta.
Kuvakirjan avulla oli helppo keskustella lasten kanssa tunteista ja siitä, kuinka aikuisia joskus vaan saattaa kiukuttaa jo aamusta alkaen. Ja kuinka paljon kiukku helpottaa, kun lähtee ulos tai puuhailemaan jotain aivan muuta.
January 24, 2024
Денят беше сив и мрачен, Петсън също. И нищо не можеше да го развесели. Съвсем нищо ли? Финдъс опитва какво ли не, докато не успява все пак да накара Петсън да излезе на риба с него. И там Финдъс разбира, че и тишината понякога е необходима, но не за повече от 15 минути, об��че. Мила история, как приятелят ти иска да си щастлив и да те извади от дупката, в която си попаднал.
November 15, 2019
Me parecen tan tiernos, divertidos y adorables estos libros que no comprendo cómo puede ser que no los haya descubierto antes. Ilustraciones magníficas, e historias que te dejan con una sonrisa. Para todas las edades, encima.
September 29, 2025
4.5*
Petterson hat schlechte Laune und Findus zappelt erst rum und versucht ihn dann aufzuheitern. Eigentlich eine ganz süße Geschichte, aber Petterson verliert leider zwischendurch die Geduld und motzt Findus an. Immerhin entschuldigt er sich danach direkt.
Petterson hat schlechte Laune und Findus zappelt erst rum und versucht ihn dann aufzuheitern. Eigentlich eine ganz süße Geschichte, aber Petterson verliert leider zwischendurch die Geduld und motzt Findus an. Immerhin entschuldigt er sich danach direkt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
Хитрините и триковете на сладкия Финдъс срещу депресията и умърлушеността на Петсън!
July 24, 2012
My favorite book of Pettersson and Findus.
November 17, 2025
2.75/5
One of the stories that I do not enjoy that much - simply because Peddersen is depressed. But you have to give Findus credit. For once, he is not only concerned with himself, but tries really hard to be there for Peddersen.
One of the stories that I do not enjoy that much - simply because Peddersen is depressed. But you have to give Findus credit. For once, he is not only concerned with himself, but tries really hard to be there for Peddersen.
April 23, 2021
Dar viena istorija apie Petsoną ir Findusą. Dar kartą galima pasinerti į nuostabias iliustracijas.
April 5, 2022
Honestly, Petterson is such a mood.
December 23, 2024
war sehr nett
September 30, 2021
Pettson ja Findus on ikka nii vahvad, et isegi kui peaksid hakkama kehva tujuga raamatut lugema, siis see raamat tõstab tuju ikkagi. Nii nagu Findus tõstis raamatus vaese Pettsoni tuju, kes oli tujust ära kes teab mis põhjusel.
July 23, 2018
This is my 3rd Pettson & Findus read (or Festus & Mercury depending on what edition you have), and I only find myself more and more endeared to the characters, the quaint illustrations, and beautiful themes I find in these books.
I think the highest endorsement I can give this children’s book series is to tell you how my high school and junior high siblings eagerly snatch each one I bring home. Tonight my younger brother was playing with his friends when he saw I had a new one; he promptly opened it up and started reading it with his friends and their younger siblings. How precious to hear their joined laughter and see them bonding together over this simple tale of friendship masterfully created by Sven Nordqvist.
I think the highest endorsement I can give this children’s book series is to tell you how my high school and junior high siblings eagerly snatch each one I bring home. Tonight my younger brother was playing with his friends when he saw I had a new one; he promptly opened it up and started reading it with his friends and their younger siblings. How precious to hear their joined laughter and see them bonding together over this simple tale of friendship masterfully created by Sven Nordqvist.
February 16, 2009
Nordqvist's wonderful Swedish childrens tales feature lively characters and, at least in the case of Festus and Mercury, a depth that is unusual for short illustrated books. . . and Wishing to Go Fishing is one of the best. Also, Nordqvist's art is detailed and comical--just the right combination to keep kids enthralled, waiting for the next page to turn.
November 30, 2020
Detta är en underbar Pettson och Findus-bok!
Nu när det faktiskt är grått och kallt ute känns det riktigt passande. Löven har fallit ner från träden och allt är bara blött på marken. Men den passar faktiskt året om, alla dom dagar som man känner som Pettson, " Jag måste hugga ved. Men jag vill inte hugga ved. Jag måste vända potatislandet. Jag vill inte vända potatislandet. Jag vill bara sitta här hela dan och tycka synd om mig själv".
Findus är lika sprallig och hoppig som han alltid är, och han vet att om de går ut så kommer nog Pettson bli på bättre humör. Så det blir fantasifulla inomhusäventyr ända tills han med lite list lyckas få iväg gubben till sjön.
Något som jag verkligen uppskattar, vackra bilder av hur härlig skogen faktiskt kan vara även när det är blött och kallt och löven har fallit ner. Den kalla fuktiga årstiden innan snön har kommit. Det kommer varje år här uppe, men inte så ofta i bokform.
Nu när det faktiskt är grått och kallt ute känns det riktigt passande. Löven har fallit ner från träden och allt är bara blött på marken. Men den passar faktiskt året om, alla dom dagar som man känner som Pettson, " Jag måste hugga ved. Men jag vill inte hugga ved. Jag måste vända potatislandet. Jag vill inte vända potatislandet. Jag vill bara sitta här hela dan och tycka synd om mig själv".
Findus är lika sprallig och hoppig som han alltid är, och han vet att om de går ut så kommer nog Pettson bli på bättre humör. Så det blir fantasifulla inomhusäventyr ända tills han med lite list lyckas få iväg gubben till sjön.
Något som jag verkligen uppskattar, vackra bilder av hur härlig skogen faktiskt kan vara även när det är blött och kallt och löven har fallit ner. Den kalla fuktiga årstiden innan snön har kommit. Det kommer varje år här uppe, men inte så ofta i bokform.
December 23, 2020
(ClearUrSh*t Readathon
Quest Twenty-three, No one takes my payment
Prompt: Free book space
Quest Twenty-four, Final boss battle
If you’re part of the Carl guild
Prompt: Read a book with comfort energy)
Åhh, det här var en perfekt bok att avsluta mitt bokår med! Den kändes ganska annorlunda från de två tidigare böckerna, med mer dämpad färgskala och rofyllda bilder på något vis. Kontrasten mellan bilderna som fokuserade på Pettson och de som fokuserade på Findus gav liv i historien för mig och hela boken gav mig en slags varm känsla mot slutet. Kanske inte lika tokrolig som de två andra (även om den hade en hel del roliga ögonblick både i bilder och text som fick mig att fnittra), men den hade hjärta, vilket jag uppskattar mycket!
Quest Twenty-three, No one takes my payment
Prompt: Free book space
Quest Twenty-four, Final boss battle
If you’re part of the Carl guild
Prompt: Read a book with comfort energy)
Åhh, det här var en perfekt bok att avsluta mitt bokår med! Den kändes ganska annorlunda från de två tidigare böckerna, med mer dämpad färgskala och rofyllda bilder på något vis. Kontrasten mellan bilderna som fokuserade på Pettson och de som fokuserade på Findus gav liv i historien för mig och hela boken gav mig en slags varm känsla mot slutet. Kanske inte lika tokrolig som de två andra (även om den hade en hel del roliga ögonblick både i bilder och text som fick mig att fnittra), men den hade hjärta, vilket jag uppskattar mycket!
January 9, 2024
Сьогоднішнього ранку Петсон сидів на канапі і сумував. Зате Фіндус був у зовсім іншому гуморі. Фіндус був непосидючим, а Петсону це зовсім не сподобалось. Фіндус намагався розвеселити Петсона і запропонував йому сходити на риболовлю. Петсон відмовлявся, але згодом погодився. Повернулись вони з уловом-два великі карася і гарним настроем у Петсона.
Головна ідея, на мою думку, що для поліпшення настрою потрібно вийти з другом і розвіятись.
Не сподобалося те, що Петсон був сумний і сердитий. Мені сподобалося як Фіндус зреагував на поганий настрій Петсона.
Головна ідея, на мою думку, що для поліпшення настрою потрібно вийти з другом і розвіятись.
Не сподобалося те, що Петсон був сумний і сердитий. Мені сподобалося як Фіндус зреагував на поганий настрій Петсона.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
Linksma ir šmaikšti istorija ir stebuklingos iliustracijos - kai prieš daug metų atradom Petsono istorijas, jos užbūrė visą šeimą - ir mažus, ir didelius. Nuostabūs charakteringi personažai, beprotiškai turiningos ilgiausiai apžiūrinėjamos iliustracijos, kuriose galima pamatyti ir vykstančius veiksmus su judesiu, ir čia pat vykstančias papildomas, lygiagrečias istorijos, besikeičiančios veikėjų emocijos, kūrybingi iškilusių problemų sprendimai - viskas super!
May 11, 2025
Що робити, коли твій найліпший друг засумував? Фіндус гопки стає, аби розрадити Петсона, проте дідуньо залишається сумним. Навіть кури долучаються до вибриків Фіндуса, та Петсона не так просто розрадити. Можливо, допоможе риболовля? І Фіндус вдається до хитрощів, аби виманити Петсона з дому.
Чи вдається витівка котові?
Маленька історія про друзів, про смуток, який іноді може огорнути будь-кого та розраду, яку можна віднайти в буденності.
Чи вдається витівка котові?
Маленька історія про друзів, про смуток, який іноді може огорнути будь-кого та розраду, яку можна віднайти в буденності.
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