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Howard R. Garis
Howard Roger Garis was an American author, best known for a series of books that featured the character of Uncle Wiggily Longears, an engaging elderly rabbit. Many of his books were illustrated by Lansing Campbell. Garis and his wife, Lilian Garis, were possibly the most prolific children's authors of the early 20th century.
Garis was born in Binghamton, New York. He and his spouse Lilian Garis both worked as reporters for the Newark Evening News. He did some work on the side for WNJR also in Newark.
The first Uncle Wiggily story appeared January 10, 1910, in the Newark News. For almost four decades the newspaper published an Uncle Wiggily story by Garis every day except Sunday, and the series was eventually nationally syndicated. By the time Garis retired from the newspaper in 1947, he had written more than 11,000 Uncle Wiggily stories.
By virtue of his accessible characters and engaging plots, Garis was one of the most influential children's authors of his day. Many of his books, especially the Uncle Wiggily books, are still widely read and are readily available over the internet. Milton Bradley produced an Uncle Wiggily board game in 1916, 1947, 1954, again in 1967, and again in 1988. The game debuted much earlier though and remained popular until the 1970s.
Garis wrote many books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate under various pseudonyms. As Victor Appleton, he wrote about the enterprising Tom Swift; as Laura Lee Hope, he is generally credited with writing volumes 4–28 and 41 of the Bobbsey Twins; as Clarence Young, the Motor Boys series; as Lester Chadwick, the Baseball Joe series; and as Marion Davidson, a number of books including several featuring the Camp Fire Girls. The couple's children also wrote for Stratemeyer.
After Edward Stratemeyer's death in May 1930, his two daughters, Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (1892–1982) and Edna C. Squier (1895–1974), ran the company, with the result that Garis stopped writing for the Syndicate in 1933 after several disagreements.
Garis moved to Amherst, Massachusetts in 1950, and died there in 1962.
Books by Howard R. Garis
Rick and Ruddy
This delightful story is full of ups and downs involving a young boy and his dog, "a gift from the sea". The adventures range from playful antics to times of peril, and through it all, our protagonists (both human and canine alike) come through for e...
The Curlytops on Star Island
The story follows the adventures of the Curlytops, a pair of mischievous siblings named Teddy and Janet. In this installment, the family embarks on a summer vacation to Star Island, where the Curlytops find themselves exploring the island's beaches,...
Daddy Takes Us To The Garden
The book tells the story of a family outing to the garden, led by their beloved father, Daddy. As the family explores the wonders of nature, they encounter a variety of creatures, from colorful birds to mischievous rabbits. Daddy teaches his childre...
Toodle and Noodle Flat-tail: The Jolly Beaver Boys
The book tells the story of two beaver brothers named Toodle and Noodle, and their many adventures in the forest. The book is filled with delightful characters and heartwarming moments, as Toodle and Noodle navigate the challenges of growing up in t...
Uncle Wiggily and Mother Goose
It is an enchanting children's book that combines the beloved characters of Uncle Wiggily Longears and Mother Goose in a delightful collection of stories. Written by Howard R. Garis, a renowned children's author, this book captures the imagination of...
Uncle Wiggily's Airship: Bedtime Stories
Embark on a whimsical bedtime adventure with "Uncle Wiggily's Airship: Bedtime Stories" by Howard R. Garis. In this enchanting collection, young readers are invited to join the lovable character Uncle Wiggily Longears on a series of delightful journe...