The Adventures of Findus and Pettson series continues, this time with a grumpy old neighbor who stops by Pettson's farm and threatens to shoot the "chicken thief" of a fox he has seen on his own farm. To scare off the fox, Pettson and his cat, Findus, develop an ingenious Rube Goldberg worthy plan involving a decoy chicken, firecrackers, and a ghostly figure rushing along on a zip line. In their imaginations, it's perfect! In reality, it's even better. First published in Sweden, this picture book offers a funny story and a series of ink-and-watercolor illustrations that add to the fun. Full of details for children to discover, particularly in Pettson's workshop, the artwork creates different moods in different scenes, all building up to the wildly expressive double-page spread depicting the climax. Details for making a chicken piñata (aka decoy) are appended. A satisfying narrative that kids will enjoy again and again.

K-Gr 2- The Fox Chase was originally published in the United States in 1989 and has been out of print for some time. This particular volume in the series deals with Farmer Pettson and his cat Findus devising a convoluted scheme to scare away a fox that is a potential threat to their chickens. Gun-toting neighbor Gustavsson would prefer to exterminate the animal. Pettson builds a chicken decoy; a balloon inside is filled with pepper. He attaches strings of fireworks on one long fuse and a rope and pulley system so Findus can swing through the air in a ghost costume. The scheme ends with the fox running into the house for shelter and being surrounded by angry chickens, while Gustavsson finds himself on the receiving end of the booby traps. Neither one will bother the chickens again, and the fox's life is spared. The dialogue between Pettson and Findus is amusing, and the illustrations are charming. Findus appears in his baggy, single-strapped overalls sometimes four or five times on a pageplaying croquet, peeking out from a cabinet, or putting a blanket on a sleeping chicken. Children can pore over the details on these pages repeatedly and still not catch all the humorous touches. VERDICT These two endearing characters will be remembered and asked for again and again. Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ