Grimbles and the Gnad by C.J. Dennis
A bushman recounts a tale about a farmer named Martin who faces a series of agricultural disasters due to pests. Initially, his potato crops are devastated by Grimble Grubs. In an attempt to combat this, Martin imports Wuzzle Swooks, beetles that consume the grubs. However, the Wuzzle Swooks then turn to his turnips, leading to further crop loss. Desperate, Martin learns about Guffer Birds, which prey on Wuzzle Swooks, and imports them. This initially seems successful until the Guffer Birds consume all the Wuzzle Swooks and then begin to strip Martin's apple trees. Frustrated, Martin discovers the Warty Swunk, a creature that eats Guffer Birds, and imports them as well. The Warty Swunks soon devour the Guffer Birds and start attacking Martin's chickens. In a final act of desperation, Martin imports Boggle Dogs, known for hunting Warty Swunks. However, the Boggle Dogs turn their attention to Martin's sheep. Ultimately, in a misguided attempt to control the situation, Martin imports a Gnad, a creature that preys on Boggle Dogs. The Gnad, however, does not target the Boggle Dogs and instead focuses on Martin himself. The story concludes with Martin being chased by the Gnad, leaving behind only his boots and gaiters, illustrating the folly of trying to control nature through the introduction of foreign species. The bushman finishes the tale with a sense of loss for Martin, who succumbed to the chaos of his own making.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy · 1,583 words
First lines
It was told me by a bushman, bald and bent, and very old, Upon the road to Poolyerleg; and here's the tale he told. 'Twould seem absurd to doubt his word, so honest he appeared And, as he spoke, the sou'-west wind toyed gently with his beard.
"First it was the Grimble Grubs, Which they et his ''taters; An' all we buried in the end Was Martin's boots and gaiters."
What this Textopian page supports
Grimbles and the Gnad is listed on Textopian as a short story by C.J. Dennis, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: C.J. Dennis
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy, Fable, Adventure
- Length: 1,583 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Grimbles and the Gnad by C.J. Dennis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Grimbles and the Gnad?
- How does this short story by C.J. Dennis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative employs absurdity and comedic elements in the portrayal of Martin's misadventures with various creatures.
- Fantasy — The story features fictional creatures and fantastical elements, such as the Grimble Grubs and the Gnad.
- Fable — The tale conveys moral lessons through the interactions between characters and their consequences.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · children's literature · imagination · friendship · humor · whimsy · creativity · magic · animals · exploration · mystery