Earlier this week I threw out the question “What book have you read multiple times and why?” http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-5zp
Author Susan Nicholls chose Uncle Wiggly Longears by Howard R Garis
Uncle Wiggly in the Country by Howard R. Garis is one collection of many Uncle Wiggly stories. The stories appeared originally in the Evening News, of Newark, N.J. where they gave pleasure to a number of little folks and grown-ups also.
My family has passed on the Uncle Wiggly books for generations. My book is copyrighted originally in 1916. I did a post about it here: http://redclayandroses1.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/what-is-your-most-beloved-book/
1) A children’s book with no pictures, it stimulates imagination with vivid word pictures.
2) Uncle Wiggly has to use common sense and luck to get out of precarious situations in real life adventures.
3) He is loyal to his friends and even compassionate toward his enemies.
4) I like that the nephew rabbit looks up to and respects his Uncle, while also taking some responsibility to see after him.
5) Each little story has a fable-like lesson to learn.
6) Each chapter is ended with a funny little nonsensical cliffhanger that introduces the next chapter.
My great grandmother read these stories to my grandmother who read them to my mother who read them to us children. I read them to my children and am reading them to my grandchildren. The most important reason of all for it being so popular. It encourages lap time. Something children and parents/grandparents need more of.