KidLit review of A Very Fuddles Christmas (article) by Frans Vischer on AuthorsDen

Frans Vischer

Aladdin

Inside Jacket: ‘‘Twas the holiday season of treasures and treats.But Fuddles the cat only wanted to eat . . . And open his presents, then sit down and play. But that’s not what happened on one Christmas Day. Frans Vischer, the artist, makes merry good cheer Celebrating the jolliest time of the year. His story’s a gift, all shiny and new. Merry Christmas to all—from Fuddles to you!”

Opening: “Fuddles was a fat, pampered cat. His family spoiled him endlessly.”

Review

Fuddles is a content, well-feed black and white kitty. His people cover him when he sleeps, feed him in bed, and bought him a baby swing. The holidays are here and the house is filling up with the smells of Christmas. Fuddles’s nose draws him to the source, a feast laid out on the dining table. Just as Fuddles is about to taste all the delicacies, someone yells,

“No, Fuddles! That’s not for you!”

fr1 swing

Those two sentences are the onset of twenty-four holiday exclamations! A flurry of exclamation points bombards Fuddles! Normally, this would be a point of contention—twenty-nine story pages and twenty-four exclamations! I know a “Fuddles” and twenty-four sharp “STOP NOW!” points may be conservative. I love the cause of those “I MEAN IT!” statements. Fuddles is adorable, especially when he runs from one last prolonged “NO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O!”

If you have ever seen a cat climb a Christmas tree, then you will understand Fuddles’s predicament. The tree bends but cats are stubborn, so he keeps climbing. Soon the Silver Star tree topper is inches from the floor and that prolonged “no” rings out.

Scared, Fuddles runs, and runs, then slips on the icy front steps. Unexpectedly—for Fuddles—someone had opened the door. Fuddles finds himself in a winter wonderland. The blanket of “white stuff” is unfamiliar and cold. Very cold. Fuddles tries desperately to get back to his warm pillow, but no one hears his howls or sees him pull himself up against the window—his reflection staring back at him.

fr2 tree toppled

Vischer’s spreads are richly detailed. Fuddles shaking his head after the squirrels smack him in the head with snow; Fuddles climbing the Christmas tree; and Fuddles landing with an “OOMPH!” are but three of the scenes that will delight children and parents alike.

A Very Fuddles Christmas is a simple story with tons of action. The star is a feisty kitty who ends up in a strange new world and cannot get back home. He needs to find an open port to get back to his life of luxury. If the squirrels have anything to say about it, Fuddles will remain outside, a victim of their snow assault. The humorous situations and his antics will soon endear Fuddles to kids and parents.

fr 3 hit snow Fuddles will be a cherished Christmas story kids will want to read every year. Then there are the devilish little squirrels. They taunt Fuddles with snow and then led him on a highflying chase. Anyone who loves animals will find A Very Fuddles Christmas belongs on their shelf of Christmas hits. Fuddles will rival Pete the Cat for children’s hearts and parents wallets, and he might just win.