Uncle Wiggily, a rabbit gentleman, is playing tag with Baby Bunty, a little rabbit girl, at his hollow stump bungalow. Despite feeling stiff, Uncle Wiggily chases Bunty, which helps him feel better. They set off for an adventure in the woods, speculating about encounters with the skillery-scalery alligator or the bad Pipsisewah. Suddenly, they hear a voice lamenting being stuck in a sassafras tree. It turns out to be a lightning bug caught in sticky gum. Uncle Wiggily and Baby Bunty free the bug, who promises to help them if needed. As they continue their journey, it grows dark, and they realize they are lost. Baby Bunty fears the Pipsisewah will find them. Uncle Wiggily attempts to light a fire for safety but lacks matches. As the Pipsisewah approaches, a swarm of lightning bugs, led by the one they helped, arrives and illuminates the area, creating the illusion of a bonfire. The Pipsisewah, deterred by the light, retreats. The lightning bugs guide Uncle Wiggily and Baby Bunty back home, fulfilling their promise to help.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Fantasy