Uncle Wiggily and the Queer Log
Uncle Wiggily, a kindly elderly rabbit, embarks on a series of whimsical adventures, often accompanied by his friends and acquaintances. In this particular tale, Baby Bunty, a lively little rabbit girl, is eager to play with Uncle Wiggily, who has gone to the store to fetch molasses for Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, the muskrat housekeeper. Bunty, restless and playful, decides to meet Uncle Wiggily on his way back. During her journey, Bunty encounters a honey bee struggling in a spring of water. She rescues the bee, who promises to repay her kindness with honey. Continuing through the woods, Bunty meets Uncle Wiggily, and they head home together. However, their path is interrupted by a menacing fox. In their haste to escape, they drop the molasses jug. Uncle Wiggily, disheartened by the loss, sits on a peculiar log. The bee Bunty saved earlier emerges from the log, offering honey from its hive as a substitute for the lost molasses. Grateful, Uncle Wiggily and Bunty collect the honey, which Nurse Jane uses to make delicious honey cakes. The story highlights themes of kindness, resourcefulness, and the unexpected rewards of helping others.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1901 · Genre: Children's Literature, Animal Fantasy, Fable · 1,202 words
First lines
"Where's Uncle Wiggily? Where's Uncle Wiggily? " asked Baby Bunty, the little rabbit girl, of Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, one morning. "Where is he?"
"Why, Uncle Wiggily has gone to the store for me," answered the muskrat lady housekeeper of the hollow stump bungalow. "He has gone to get me some molasses!"
What this Textopian page supports
Uncle Wiggily and the Queer Log is listed on Textopian as a short story by Howard R. Garis, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Howard R. Garis
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Animal Fantasy, Fable, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 1,202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Uncle Wiggily and the Queer Log by Howard R. Garis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Uncle Wiggily and the Queer Log?
- How does this short story by Howard R. Garis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at young readers, using simple language, engaging characters, and moral cues suited to a child's perspective.
- Animal Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphic animals engaging in human-like adventures in a whimsical setting.
- Fable — The work subtly imparts moral lessons and uses allegorical storytelling similar to traditional fables.
- Adventure — The plot centers on a journey filled with challenges, escapades, and unexpected encounters.
Tags
children's literature · animal fiction · adventure · whimsical · fantasy · anthropomorphic · classic tale · imagination · quirky characters · fable · moral lesson · forest setting
More by Howard R. Garis
- The Second Adventures of Uncle Wiggily (1914)
- Uncle Wiggily on the Farm (1903)
- Uncle Wiggily's Silk Hat (1923)
- Uncle Wiggily's Fishing Trip (1902)
- Uncle Wiggily's Rolling Hoop (1918)
- Uncle Wiggily and Baby Bunty (1918)
- Uncle Wiggily and Bunty's Skates (1902)
- Uncle Wiggily and Bunty's Ride (1918)
- All works by Howard R. Garis