Sven Nordqvist’s Pettson and Findus Series and Children’s Education: Ecocritical Dialogues in Preschool

Abstract

This article explores how Sven Nordqvist’s books about Pettson and Findus may be used to initiate dialogues in preschool on the relationship between humans and nature. We argue that Nordqvist’s books are especially fitting for ecocritical dialogues on three levels, on which they depart from today's ecocentric aspirations. These levels include (1) the main characters’ view of nature as a resource, (2) the untraditional representation of plants, and (3) the characters’ assumptions of control and superiority over nature, especially over (other) animals. Another implication of the article is that pre-ecocriticism children’s books, and books that are not climate fiction can be useful in preschool discussions thematizing the relationship between humans and nature.