Howard R. Garis

Howard R. Garis Books: Uncle Wiggily Stories Online

Howard R. Garis (1873–1962) was one of the most prolific children’s authors in American history — a Newark, New Jersey newspaperman whose gentle bedtime tales filled the pages of the Newark News for more than three decades. Beginning in 1910, Garis published a daily Uncle Wiggily Longears story, a habit he kept up for over thirty years, producing an astonishing body of work that was collected into dozens of beloved children’s books throughout the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. The Howard R. Garis books on Ririro give you the chance to read these warm, funny, gently moral stories online for free — perfect for read-aloud time, classroom storytelling, and quiet bedtime moments with young children.

Uncle Wiggily: Howard R. Garis’s Most Famous Creation

Uncle Wiggily Longears, the elderly gentleman rabbit with his pink-tipped nose and red-white-and-blue striped rheumatism crutch, is the heart of every Howard R. Garis book. With his housekeeper Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy and a whole forest full of animal neighbors, Uncle Wiggily faces small adventures, helps friends in trouble, and outwits the occasional fox or wolf — always with kindness, humor, and a satisfying resolution. These stories defined an era of American children’s literature, and they remain as warm and welcoming today as they were a century ago.

1. Uncle Wiggily’s Adventures (Full Book)
The complete original 1912 book that launched the series — Howard R. Garis’s first collected Uncle Wiggily volume, following the elderly rabbit as he sets out with his satchel and crutch to seek his fortune and a cure for his rheumatism. This is the ideal starting point for any reader new to the series, and a wonderful long-form read for chapter-book listeners.
2. The Adventures of Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane
Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, the muskrat housekeeper, is Uncle Wiggily’s most loyal companion. This story showcases the affectionate dynamic between the pair — a friendship that runs through nearly every Howard R. Garis book and gives the whole series its cozy, homely warmth.
3. Uncle Wiggily and Buddy Pigg
Buddy Pigg, the cheerful guinea pig, is one of Uncle Wiggily’s most beloved friends. A gentle, funny story that introduces young readers to Garis’s wider cast of animal characters — and a perfect example of the helpful spirit at the heart of every Uncle Wiggily story.
4. Uncle Wiggily and the Fox
The bad old fox is Uncle Wiggily’s most persistent antagonist, forever scheming and forever foiled. Garis’s foxes never quite catch their rabbit — and this classic encounter is a perfect introduction to the gentle suspense and reassuring resolutions that make these stories such ideal bedtime fare.
5. Uncle Wiggily at the Circus
A trip to the circus brings Uncle Wiggily face-to-face with elephants, clowns, and all the wonderful chaos a big top can offer. One of the most joyful Howard R. Garis books to read aloud — perfect for children who love bright, lively settings full of surprises.
6. Uncle Wiggily and Wonderland Alice
In Garis’s wonderful Wonderland crossover series, Uncle Wiggily meets Alice herself — and the pairing of two of children’s literature’s gentlest heroes is pure delight. A standout story for fans of Lewis Carroll, and a charming entry point into Garis’s most imaginative book.

Holiday Stories by Howard R. Garis

Few authors did seasonal storytelling as well as Howard R. Garis. From Christmas mornings to Halloween mischief, the Uncle Wiggily holiday stories follow the calendar from January to December — perfect for tucking into a bedtime routine on the right day of the year. Read them online for free on Ririro, with audio available for many.

1. Uncle Wiggily’s Christmas
Christmas morning in the forest is full of snow, surprises, and small kindnesses — and this cozy holiday tale captures every bit of it. Howard R. Garis was a master of the seasonal bedtime story, and this is one of his very warmest, with all the gentle good cheer of an old-fashioned Christmas Eve.
2. Uncle Wiggily’s Halloween Fun
A delightfully spooky-but-not-scary Halloween adventure for younger readers — pumpkins, costumes, and a few playful frights that always end well. The Halloween Uncle Wiggily stories are a Garis specialty, and this one is a perfect October read-aloud.
3. Uncle Wiggily’s Valentine
A heartwarming February tale full of paper hearts, kind notes, and the friendly affection that runs through every Howard R. Garis book. A lovely choice for a Valentine’s Day morning or evening read.
4. Uncle Wiggily’s Thanksgiving
A gentle reminder of the gratitude and generosity at the heart of the holiday season. Garis turns Thanksgiving into a community affair, with all of Uncle Wiggily’s animal neighbors gathered for a meal — perfect for reading aloud in late November.
5. Uncle Wiggily’s Fourth of July
Fireworks, picnics, and a touch of summer mischief make this Independence Day story a real treat. A sunny, lively read for any patriotic occasion — and a fine example of Howard R. Garis’s seasonal storytelling.
6. Uncle Wiggily’s New Year’s Horn
The new year arrives with horns, hats, and a little bit of woodland chaos. A funny, charming story that makes for a perfect January 1st bedtime read — bringing the calendar full circle for any family working their way through the Howard R. Garis seasonal collection.

Howard R. Garis Books and Mother Goose

Garis loved nursery rhymes — and several of his Uncle Wiggily books pair the gentle rabbit with the most beloved Mother Goose characters in original story form. These crossover tales are a wonderful bridge between simple nursery rhymes and longer narrative stories, ideal for preschool and kindergarten readers ready for their next step up.

1. Uncle Wiggily and Mother Goose
The framing tale of Garis’s nursery rhyme collection — Uncle Wiggily meets the great Mother Goose herself, who promises to lend a helping hand whenever a rhyme goes off the rails. A wonderful introduction to the rest of the series.
2. Uncle Wiggily and Humpty Dumpty
Can Uncle Wiggily save poor Humpty Dumpty from his famous fall? Garis spins this most familiar of rhymes into a funny, suspenseful little story — with a resolution that will delight any child who knows the original.
3. Uncle Wiggily and Jack and Jill
The hill, the pail, the tumble — and Uncle Wiggily right there to help. A perfect read-aloud for children just beginning to recognise the nursery rhymes from which Garis drew his inspiration.
4. Uncle Wiggily and Little Bo-Peep
Bo-Peep has lost her sheep, and only the kindly old rabbit can help her track them down. A sweet, gentle story that takes a familiar rhyme and gives it the full Howard R. Garis treatment.
5. Uncle Wiggily and Old King Cole
A royal encounter full of music, merriment, and Garis’s signature humor. The merry old soul of nursery rhyme fame fits perfectly into the Uncle Wiggily universe, where kindness and good cheer are always the order of the day.
6. Uncle Wiggily and Old Mother Hubbard
An empty cupboard is no match for Uncle Wiggily’s resourcefulness. Garis turns this short rhyme into a generous little story about looking after neighbors when times are lean — gentle, funny, and warmly satisfying.