Hello Reader Friends,
Welcome to Spring~Summer! Springtime is zipping by us all rather quickly. Did you feel it in the cool temperatures and raindrops of May or see it in the rush of budding trees and burst of blooming color? Now, here we are in June with a mix of hot summer days, ready for some fun in the sun along with intermittent rains good for completing our gardening days.
I recently visited my darling little 9-month old grandson, John Cullen {better known as little Cully} who lives in Newport, RI with his parents. Newport, like the Cape, is another beautiful summer spot, known for its’ elegant touring Mansions and pristine beaches. Since little Cully was about 3 months old, his mama {better known as my daughter, Aubrielle} has been reading children’s books to him throughout the day, especially for afternoon naps and bedtime. Cully will sit on her lap and listen to book after book after book , many times up to 10 books in one sitting. Of course, I {better known as Gramma jeannie} love to read to him too. Whenever it’s possible, I cubby up with my little Cully and read our favorite stories together.
One afternoon I made a trip to Barnes and Nobles Bookstore to purchase some books to take to Cullen for my next visit {Gramma’s need to do this you know}. I browsed through many books, decided to buy several, and made my purchases. On my way out, on the floor to the right of the departing door, were stacks of four different children’s books. The thing that caught my eye was how LARGE these children’s hard- paged books were. They were twice their usual size. They were also beautifully illustrated AND happened to be 50% off. Well… Gramma jeannie always loves a bargain, especially when it comes to children’s books for her first grandchild!
Now, it just so happens to be that one of those books is a story Cullen loves to hear every night before going to bed. It is titled, Where, Oh Where Is Huggle Buggle Bear? It is written by Katherine Sully and illustrated by Janet Samuel. The rhythm and rhyme of this story is sublime. The little boy starts a search for his Huggle Buggle Bear before going to bed. He looks everywhere and can’t find him anywhere! He meets up with various playtime friends such as Babbity Bunny eating toast and honey and Ellie Nellie bouncing on her belly. Katherine Sully has a keen way of drawing the reader into the story with her playful words as well as appealing to our emotions. First, the little boy declares he just can’t go to bed without Huggle Buggle Bear because it just wouldn’t be right, then because it is too dark and creepy. He then expresses he doesn’t think he knows how to go to bed without him. The little boy ultimately succumbs to the humble truth… he just doesn’t want to go to bed without Huggle Buggle Bear because it makes him feel so bad. Katherine cleverly weaves the boy’s description of his little buddy, Huggle Buggle Bear. First, he thinks his Bear is funny, then silly, but soon progresses to believing he is naughty and troublesome. Finally, the great quest is complete when the boy at last finds his Huggle Buggle Bear snuggled with all the other play toys fast asleep in bed. He then tenderly tells the reader to sshhh…. because Huggle Buggle Bear is sleeping.
Why…it happens to be my bedtime too! Sweet dreams my treasured friends.
Bye for now…..jeannie Purpaleanie