Snugglepot and Cuddlepie facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | May Gibbs |
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| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children’s literature |
| Publisher | Angus & Robertson |
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Publication date
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1918 |
| Media type | Illustrated audiobook |
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie is a popular series of books by the Australian author May Gibbs. These stories follow the exciting adventures of two main characters, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. They are tiny, human-like creatures. The books also feature their challenges with the story's bad guys, known as the "Banksia Men". The very first book, Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: their wonderful adventures, came out in 1918.
Contents
Meet the Characters
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are the main heroes of the stories. They are known as "gumnut babies". Their look is based on young Eucalyptus (gum tree) nuts.
The girl gumnut babies have hair, hats, and skirts. These are designed to look like Eucalyptus flowers.
The Banksia Men
The "big bad" Banksia Men are the villains in the stories. They are designed to look like old Banksia "cones". Their eyes and other face parts are made from the plant's follicles.
Where the Stories Come From
May Gibbs got ideas for her characters and the scenery from nature. She based them on the plants found in the bushland of Harvey, Western Australia. This was a place where she played a lot as a child.
The Books in the Series
May Gibbs wrote many books about her special characters. The first book was published in 1918. It was called Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: their adventures wonderful.
Later, in 1940, many of her works were put together. This collection was titled The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The cover also mentioned Including Little Ragged Blossom and Little Obelia.
Other books in the series include:
- Snugglepot and Cuddlepie find Ragged Blossom
- Little Ragged Blossom and more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
- Little Obelia and further adventures of ragged Blossom, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
- Snugglepot and Cuddlepie on Board the Snag (1975)
- Snugglepot and Cuddlepie meet Mr Lizard (1970)
Honors and Legacy
In 1985, Australia Post released a special postage stamp. This stamp honored the characters or their creator, May Gibbs. It was part of a set of five stamps celebrating children's books.
Helping Others
May Gibbs passed away on November 27, 1969. In her will, she left the money from her Snugglepot and Cuddlepie creations. This money goes to two charities: the Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
These organizations use the money to help children and adults with disabilities. This way, May Gibbs's stories continue to help people today.
Images for kids
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A Banksia man, from May Gibbs' Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
