Fattypuffs and Thinifers facts for kids
Title page of original French edition
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| Author | André Maurois |
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| Original title | Patapoufs et Filifers |
| Translator | Norman Denny |
| Illustrator | Jean Bruller |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | The Bodley Head |
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Publication date
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1930 |
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Published in English
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1941 |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 96 |
| OCLC | 258165503 |
Fattypuffs and Thinifers is an exciting children's book. It was first written in French in 1930 by André Maurois and called Patapoufs et Filifers. The English version came out in 1941. This story takes you to a secret world deep underground. In this hidden land, two very different groups of people live: the friendly, plump Fattypuffs and the grumpy, thin Thinifers. The book follows two brothers, Edmund and Terry Double, who discover this strange place. Edmund is plump, like the Fattypuffs, and Terry is thin, like the Thinifers. Their visit happens just as the two underground nations are about to go to war!
Contents
The Underground World
Edmund and Terry find a secret entrance through a place called the Twin Rock. A very long escalator takes them deep down into the Earth. The underground world is lit up by huge, glowing balloons. These balloons float in the sky, giving off a bright blue light.
Arrival and Separation
At the bottom of the escalator, the brothers arrive at a narrow quay called Surface-by-the-Sea. This quay is next to a large gulf. Here, Edmund and Terry are separated. Edmund is taken on a ship called the Fattiport to Fattyborough. This is the main city of the Fattypuff kingdom. Terry, on the other hand, is told to get on a steel ship called the Thiniport. This ship takes him to Thiniville, the capital of the Thinifer Republic.
Life with the Fattypuffs
Edmund quickly becomes important in the Fattypuff government. The Fattypuffs are very friendly and happy. They love to eat and drink. Everything in their country is round and soft. Their buildings have curved domes and fancy designs.
Life with the Thinifers
Terry also quickly moves up in the Thinifer society. The Thinifers are very hard workers. They hardly eat and are always rushing around. Their country is full of tall, sharp towers and thin railway cars.
A World on the Brink of War
For hundreds of years, the Fattypuffs and Thinifers have been enemies. They even fought a big war before, called the War of the Captive Armies. Their biggest disagreement is over an island in the gulf that separates their countries. The Fattypuffs want to call it "Fattyfer," while the Thinifers prefer "Thinipuff."
Failed Peace Talks
Edmund and Terry both take part in talks to try and make peace. But the discussions don't work out. Because of this, the two countries go to war. The Thinifers win the war and take over the Fattypuff kingdom. This is called annexation, which means one country takes control of another.
Unexpected Changes
After the war, something surprising happens. Many Thinifer soldiers who are now in the Fattypuff land start marrying Fattypuff girls. They begin to like the country they conquered. The Thinifers start to enjoy Fattypuff food, habits, and their relaxed way of life.
A New Nation is Born
Because of these changes, the Thinifer president makes an important announcement. He declares that the two peoples will now form a new country. It is called the United States of the Underground. King Plumpapuff of the Fattypuffs becomes the constitutional sovereign. This means he is the king, but his power is limited by laws. The Thinifer president becomes his chancellor, which is like a prime minister or a chief advisor.
All differences based on how much people weigh are removed. They also find a compromise for the island's name. It is now called Peachblossom Island, combining parts of both their old names.
Returning Home
After all these adventures, Edmund and Terry are allowed to go back home. Their father has been waiting for them at the Twin Rock. Even though they spent ten months living underground, only one hour passed on the surface!
