The Disappearing Children: Prime Minister Father and Son

Can humour travel?  There is a perception that what we may find funny is incomprehensible abroad, and vice versa. However, it seems this does not have to be the case as this Norwegian novel proves.

From the moment we meet Finn Popps, we are giggling. Finn is the son of Teddy Popps, a taxi driver – but a taxi driver who has become Prime Minister of Norway as leader of the More Party, However, his popularity is threatened; children are disappearing. What is going on? And who can be trusted. It is up to Finn and his friends to sort it out.

As is to be expected, it is the children who take centre stage to show up the inherent ridiculousness of adults. However, Grimstad doesn’t rely on slapstick alone, there is plenty of action as Finn, Sunniva and Camomile work to foil the villains while hoping to win the National School Quiz. Fast paced, lively, funny, this is a very welcome – and excellent – translation for young readers who want a bit more than sound bites with their laughs. Recommended.