Fuddles
Frans Vischer

Aladdin
2011 / ISBN 9781416991557
Picture book / Cats (Ages 4-7)
Amazon

Reviewed by Bob Walch

Fuddles is a house cat, who is very well treated, but the only problem is his owner never lets him go outside. Poor Fuddles is curious about what happens outside his house. So, desiring a “great adventure”, the cat begins to look for a chance to escape.

One day the door is left open and Fuddles is off. Unfortunately, his great adventure turns into a less than pleasing experience. Fuddles discovers his climbing skills aren’t very good and he doesn’t relate very well to a neighborhood dog. In fact, their encounter is a total disaster that results in the cat ending up a distance from his own yard.

Lost and miserable, the question becomes, “Will Fuddles ever find his home again?” After a night time search, which is kind of scary, the intrepid little feline does make it home.

Children four and older will love this picture book and perhaps even find a subtle message about the importance of home and family. When he’s finally back home, Fuddles realizes “This was truly where he belonged!”