Uncle Wiggily and the Apple Dumping

Uncle Wiggily #41

by Howard Roger Garis

Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

Howard Roger Garis graduated from Binghamton High School and attended Stevens Institute of Technology at Hoboken, New Jersey. From 1896 to 1947, Mr. Garis was a reporter and special writer for the Newark, New Jersey "Evening News." His Uncle Wiggily stories first appeared in the "News" in 1910, were sydicated in 1915, and continued to be published for more than forty years, at one time appearing in one hundred newspapers.

Howard R. Garis wrote 35 volumes of Uncle Wiggily stories under his own name, as well as numerous other children's books under several pseudonyms. Among series Garis contributed to are Tom Swift (as Victor Appleton), the Bobbsey Twins (as Laura Lee Hope), the Motor Boys (as Clarence Young), the Great Marvel series, and books featuring Baseball Joe (as Lester Chadwick) and the Camp Fire Girls (as Marion Davidson). He also wrote "With Force of Arms" (1902), four volumes of the Rocket Riders series, and seven volumes of the Teddy series. His wife, Lilian McNamara Garas, whom he married in 1900, collaborated on several of his books including the Bobbsey Twins volumes.

He had a son, Roger.

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was working the Friends of the Library book sale, straightening up the children's tables, which tend towards untidiness. And because we are more interested in recirculating the books than in making bank, children's books (through teen) are 3 for free to kids and teachers. Plus, it was Hog Day so a lot of families out enjoying the weather (not unspeakably hot and humid) and barbecue and taking pictures with Stormy the Hurricanes mascot. It was a great way to spend an afternoon, not least of which because book people loading up on cheap books at a library fundraiser, are just the happiest, most cheerful people. They become even more cheerful when they realize they get free books, too. Everyone was so sweet: if they didn't realize about the freebies they just turned around and donated at least as much as they would have spent. Even the kids who might have been dragging after a long day seemed to cheer up. So, now you know if you didn't already: every bit as happy-making as wallowing in a puppy pit, and the messes are easier to clean up.

Whilst tidying up this one caught my eye. Well, those trousers on the cover pop, and a dapper bunny chap is worth admiring. Up until that moment the only association I had with Uncle Wiggily was Salinger's story. I have since learned that my husband was exposed to one of the very old games, which had lead figures for markers, and impressed him no end. Sadly, there are none of those listed for sale online: mostly there are sets now reduced to board only.

Reader, I brought home Uncle Wiggily. I had no idea what the extensive series was about (lots of food, lots of flashy autos, just like Nancy Drew's of the same era. Whatever the rest are like, this one was awfully appealing. Uncle is a kind-hearted sort, easily pleased, and keen to help others. This rabbit would probably enjoy delivering chocolate of an early Spring morning. Often the books people remember with love from their childhoods are a wee bit disappointing for first-time adult readers. So maybe I just had very low expectations. Really, though, I think Garis was just a good storyteller as well as a newspaper writer and a prolific producer of children's books. I might even have to try a Bobbsey Twins book next. Especially since I am unlikely to run across many of these Uncle Wiggilys.

Edited to add, almost immediately after posting: The artist is uncredited, more's the pity. The cover slays. My commendation to the colorist, too. Those red pants are magnificently red.

Really, it was a very good day.

Personal copy, now