Staff review by Chris Saliba
Gösta Knutsson (1908 – 1973) was a Swedish writer of children’s books, best known for the series Pelle Svanslös (Peter No-Tail). Knutsson wrote 12 books in the series and the first three have now been translated into English by Stephanie Smee and Ann-Margrete Smee.
In the first book, The Adventures of Pelle No-Tail, we meet little Pelle, a kitten born on a country farm. His life has started out rather unfortunately: a large rat has bitten off his tail. It makes his feel a little vulnerable, being so different to other cats. One day the spirit of adventure takes him and he hides away in a car. Soon he finds himself in the city and living with a family. More adventures ensue when Pelle goes on a train ride with his new family and manages to get lost. But all is soon enough resolved when the family put an advertisement in the paper asking if anyone has seen a cat with no tail.
While life in the city offers plenty of fun adventures, there are also troubles to contend with. A local cat, Måns, is quite a bully. He thinks Pelle is a bit of a goody two-shoes and is determined to teach him a lesson. With the help of his flunkies, Bill and Bull, he tries to humiliate Pelle, but luckily his attempts always backfire.
Pelle is a delightfully sweet and good-natured character. His innocence and naïvety will make you care about what happens to him. Knutsson writes in a clear and simple style, evoking the pleasures of Swedish life in the 1930s. Interestingly, the series was begun as a protest against growing sympathy for the Nazis within Sweden. Mans, the bullying cat, is based loosely on Hitler and Mussolini.
Classic storytelling that leave you cheerful. Pelle No-Tail is a winner.
The Adventures of Pelle No-Tail, by Gosta Knutsson. Published by Piccolo Nero. ISBN: 9781863959247 RRP: $14.99
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