Uncle Wiggily and Old Mother Hubbard is a children's book written by Howard Roger Garis and illustrated by Elmer Rache. It was published in 1939 and is part of the "Uncle Wiggily" series. The book follows the adventures of Uncle Wiggily, an anthropomorphic rabbit, and his friends as they travel to Old Mother Hubbard's house to help her find her lost dog. Along the way, they face various challenges and obstacles, including a fierce thunderstorm and a run-in with the Big Bad Wolf. But with Uncle Wiggily's quick thinking and resourcefulness, they are able to overcome these challenges and ultimately reunite Old Mother Hubbard with her beloved dog. The story teaches children about the importance of perseverance, friendship, and problem-solving. It also introduces young readers to the world of Uncle Wiggily, a beloved character in children's literature.
Howard Roger Garis (1873-1962) was an American author and newspaper writer, best known for his children's books featuring the character of Uncle Wiggily Longears. He was born in Binghamton, New York, and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. Garis began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor, working for several newspapers in Newark and New York City. In 1910, he began writing stories for children, creating the character of Uncle Wiggily, an elderly rabbit with a limp who goes on various adventures and helps other animals in need. The Uncle Wiggily series proved to be incredibly popular, with over 70 books and numerous short stories published over the course of several decades. Garis also wrote other children's series, including the "Bedtime Stories" and "Sammie and Susie Littletail" books. In addition to his work as a writer, Garis was also involved in radio broadcasting. He wrote scripts for several radio programs, including "Let's Pretend" and "The Adventures of Uncle Wiggily," which aired on NBC from 1937 to 1950. Howard Roger Garis's contributions to children's literature were significant, and his books remain popular with young readers today. His work helped to popularize the idea of animal characters in children's literature, and his use of simple language and engaging stories made his books accessible to children of all ages.