Uncle Wiggily
Explore Uncle Wiggily story books by Howard R. Garis — read individual bedtime stories online for free, filter by theme to discover your favorites, or dive into our full reading guide below.
Uncle Wiggily Story Books: Read Howard R. Garis Online
Uncle Wiggily Longears, the elderly gentleman rabbit with a rheumatism crutch and an ever-cheerful spirit, is one of early American children’s literature’s most enduring characters. Created by prolific author Howard R. Garis, Uncle Wiggily first appeared in the Newark News in 1910 and quickly became a beloved fixture in homes across the country. Garis wrote thousands of bedtime stories about the kind-hearted rabbit, collecting them into dozens of picture books and chapter books throughout the 1910s and 1920s. On Ririro, you’ll find individual stories drawn from across these classic books — perfect for reading aloud, quiet bedtime moments, or introducing young readers to the charm of early 20th-century children’s storytelling.
Uncle Wiggily and His Friends
The “Uncle Wiggily and His Friends” books introduce the lively cast of animal neighbors who make Uncle Wiggily’s world so delightful. From Buddy Pigg the guinea pig to Jennie the chipmunk and the Wibblewobble duck family, these characters each bring their own personality — and Uncle Wiggily is always nearby to lend a helping paw.
1. Uncle Wiggily And Buddy Pigg
Buddy Pigg, the cheerful guinea pig, is one of Uncle Wiggily Longears’ most beloved companions. In this story, the two friends share a warm adventure that showcases the gentle humor and mutual helpfulness at the heart of Garis’s storytelling — a wonderful introduction to the Uncle Wiggily cast of characters.
2. Uncle Wiggily And Kittie Kat
Kittie Kat is a playful feline acquaintance who crosses paths with Uncle Wiggily in a story full of mischief and kindness. Young readers will enjoy the light-hearted interaction between the rabbit and his cat friend, a friendship that gently teaches the value of looking out for one another.
3. Uncle Wiggily And Jennie
Jennie the chipmunk is a charming figure in Uncle Wiggily’s circle of friends. This story captures the warmth of their friendship and the small but meaningful ways that animal neighbors care for each other in the meadow and woodland where they all live together.
4. Uncle Wiggily And Munchie Trot
Munchie Trot the pony makes for an unforgettable friend. This story shows Uncle Wiggily at his generous best, and the name “Munchie Trot” alone is sure to delight young listeners with its wonderfully playful sound.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Wibblewobbles
The Wibblewobbles are a duck family — and some of the most memorable supporting characters in the Uncle Wiggily universe. This story introduces young readers to a household full of personality, where even everyday moments become small adventures.
6. Uncle Wiggily And Lulu Wibblewobble
Lulu Wibblewobble is the young duck daughter of the Wibblewobble family, and her encounters with Uncle Wiggily are always full of warmth. A perfect story to show children that the best friendships can happen between the most unexpected pairs.
Uncle Wiggily’s Adventures
“Uncle Wiggily’s Adventures” — Howard R. Garis’s very first book in the series — follows the elderly rabbit as he sets off with his satchel and his crutch to seek his fortune and find a cure for his rheumatism. Along the way he meets friends and foes alike, making this the ideal starting point for new readers. You can also read the full adventure book on Ririro.
1. The Adventures of Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane
Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, the muskrat housekeeper, is Uncle Wiggily’s most devoted companion. This story captures their tender friendship and the playful dynamic that defined the series across dozens of books — a must-read for anyone new to Uncle Wiggily’s world.
2. Uncle Wiggily On A Raft
Uncle Wiggily builds himself a raft and sets off on a water adventure, encountering the unpredictable surprises that always seem to find him. A great story for young readers who love the idea of a voyage with no particular destination — and no idea what’s around the next bend.
3. Uncle Wiggily In A Boat
Another aquatic adventure finds Uncle Wiggily afloat, navigating gentle perils with his usual cheerful optimism. A lovely companion piece to the raft story, and a fine reminder that even a rabbit in a boat can find a way to be helpful.
4. Uncle Wiggily And The Fox
The fox is one of Uncle Wiggily’s recurring antagonists — always scheming and never quite successful. This story features a classic Garis tension between the wily fox and the kind-hearted rabbit, with a satisfying resolution that children will love.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Wolf
When the wolf comes looking for trouble, Uncle Wiggily must use his wits to stay safe. A gentle adventure story that echoes classic fairy tale tradition while keeping the tone warm and reassuring — younger readers need not worry.
6. Uncle Wiggily At The Circus
Uncle Wiggily visits the circus and the results are wonderfully chaotic. A delight for children who love the spectacle of circus animals and performances, with the added bonus of Uncle Wiggily Longears himself right in the middle of it all.
Uncle Wiggily’s Airship: Bedtime Stories
In “Uncle Wiggily’s Airship,” the inventive rabbit takes to the skies in his very own flying machine, visiting animal friends across the countryside and solving problems from above. These bedtime stories combine gentle excitement with cozy resolutions — ideal for reading aloud just before sleep. Howard R. Garis’s enthusiasm for early aviation technology gives these stories an extra spark that children of any era still find charming.
1. Uncle Wiggily’s Funny Auto
Before the airship, Uncle Wiggily has a funny motorcar that takes him on his own kind of adventure across the countryside. This story is a charming nod to the early automobile era and the excitement of new inventions — a perfect lead-in to the airship stories.
2. Uncle Wiggily And Nurse Jane Go On Holiday
Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane take a holiday trip together in what becomes a delightfully eventful outing. A warm story about friendship and the small adventures that come from stepping out of the ordinary routine — even if you’re traveling by airship.
3. Uncle Wiggily Goes To School
Uncle Wiggily finds himself at school, where the usual lessons take an unexpectedly amusing turn. A story that resonates with young readers familiar with school routines, and reassures them that even grown-up rabbits sometimes need to learn new things.
4. Uncle Wiggily And The Moo-Cow
The airship brings Uncle Wiggily to a farm encounter with a very particular cow. With gentle humor and a kind resolution, this story is a perfect bedtime tale — short, sweet, and satisfying in exactly the right way.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Jumping Cow
A playful nod to the “Hey Diddle Diddle” nursery rhyme, this story features a cow with jumping ambitions and Uncle Wiggily doing his best to help. Children who know their nursery rhymes will immediately recognise the reference — and love seeing it reimagined.
6. Uncle Wiggily And The Cake Of Ice
Uncle Wiggily uses his resourcefulness to help someone in need of a block of ice — and the airship proves the perfect vehicle for such an unusual errand. A cool and cozy bedtime story with the characteristic Garis warmth that made these tales a staple of early 20th-century childhood.
Uncle Wiggily in Wonderland
In Howard R. Garis’s delightful crossover series, Uncle Wiggily Longears steps into the world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, meeting the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and a host of other beloved characters. These stories are particularly wonderful for children who already love the Alice books, but stand perfectly well on their own as whimsical, funny adventures full of gentle nonsense.
1. Uncle Wiggily And Wonderland Alice
The meeting between Uncle Wiggily and Alice herself is a moment of pure delight — two of children’s literature’s most lovable characters sharing a single story. This is the perfect entry point into the Wonderland crossover series, and a wonderful read for fans of both worlds.
2. Uncle Wiggily And The March Hare
The March Hare is always in a hurry, and Uncle Wiggily has his work cut out when the two finally meet. A playful story that captures the delightful madness of Wonderland while keeping Uncle Wiggily’s warmth and practicality at the center.
3. Uncle Wiggily And The Cheshire Cat
The mysterious Cheshire Cat appears and disappears in his usual fashion, leaving Uncle Wiggily both baffled and charmed. A funny and gently puzzling story that younger children will find wonderfully silly — and that older readers will appreciate for its clever humour.
4. Uncle Wiggily And The Hatter
A tea party with the Mad Hatter promises nonsense and laughter, and this story delivers exactly that. Uncle Wiggily’s practical rabbit nature makes a wonderful contrast with the Hatter’s topsy-turvy outlook on the world.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Dormouse
The sleepy Dormouse is found in his usual drowsy state, and Uncle Wiggily’s attempts to help make for a gentle and funny bedtime story — appropriately enough, given the Dormouse’s own legendary love of sleep.
6. Uncle Wiggily And The Mock-Turtle
The Mock Turtle is one of Carroll’s most poignant Wonderland characters, and Uncle Wiggily brings his characteristic kindness to the encounter. A story that manages to be both funny and quietly touching — a fine example of what makes this crossover series so special.
Uncle Wiggily in the Woods
“Uncle Wiggily in the Woods” takes the gentle rabbit deep into the natural world, where trees, plants, and woodland creatures each have their own lessons to share. Howard R. Garis uses the forest setting to introduce children to the names and properties of real trees and plants — wrapped in the warm embrace of gentle fiction. These stories make young readers look at the natural world with fresh curiosity.
1. Uncle Wiggily And The Pine Tree
A pine tree plays an unexpected role in Uncle Wiggily’s day, offering shelter, surprise, or a narrow escape from a lurking bear. A story that makes young readers look at forest trees a little more carefully on their next outdoor walk.
2. Uncle Wiggily And The Bee Tree
A hollow tree full of bees is quite a challenge for any traveler, and Uncle Wiggily must navigate this buzzing situation with care. Funny and gently tense, this story has all the Garis charm that makes even sticky situations a delight to read aloud.
3. Uncle Wiggily And The Birch Tree
The birch tree, with its distinctive papery bark, becomes a helpful presence in one of Uncle Wiggily’s woodland adventures. This story quietly weaves nature education into the narrative, making it both fun and gently educational.
4. Uncle Wiggily In The Bear’s Den
Finding himself inside a bear’s den is about as alarming a situation as Uncle Wiggily can face in the woods. The tension is gentle and the resolution reassuring, making this one of the more exciting woodland adventures for young readers.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Slippery Elm
The slippery elm tree — well-known in folk medicine — comes to Uncle Wiggily’s aid in a moment of need. A cozy story that echoes the old-fashioned comfort of natural remedies and neighborly care, with a satisfying woodland atmosphere.
6. Uncle Wiggily And The Willow Tree
The weeping willow makes a striking setting for this woodland tale, where Uncle Wiggily’s wits are once again called upon to save the day. A beautiful, atmospheric story for readers who love the moods and mysteries of the natural world.
Uncle Wiggily on the Farm
“Uncle Wiggily on the Farm” brings the gentle rabbit to the barnyard, where chickens, pigs, cows, and horses all have stories to tell. These farm tales have a wholesome, cozy quality that makes them especially popular with younger children and families who enjoy reading together before bedtime. Howard R. Garis’s affection for farm life shines through in every page.
1. Uncle Wiggily And The First Pig
The first in a trio of pig stories, this tale introduces a plucky little pig whose situation calls for Uncle Wiggily’s help. A gentle nod to the “Three Little Pigs” tradition, reimagined in Howard Garis’s warm and friendly style.
2. Uncle Wiggily And The Second Pig
The second pig has his own adventure, and Uncle Wiggily is there to lend a paw. Reading all three pig stories in sequence is a wonderful experience for young children who love the original fairy tale — and want more from it.
3. Uncle Wiggily And The Third Pig
The third pig’s story brings the barnyard trilogy to a satisfying close. True to Garis’s style, kindness and cleverness win the day — with a few genuine laughs along the way.
4. Uncle Wiggily And The Sheep
A fluffy sheep encounter gives Uncle Wiggily something new to help with on the farm. This is a warm, gentle story that younger children especially will find soothing — perfect for a quiet afternoon or a sleepy bedtime.
5. Uncle Wiggily And The Horse
The horse is one of the most majestic of farm animals, and Uncle Wiggily’s encounter with one makes for a memorable story. A fun read for any child who loves horses, combining gentle adventure with the warmth that defines these Uncle Wiggily story books.
6. Uncle Wiggily Waters His Garden And His Neighbors
Uncle Wiggily’s garden is a source of joy and occasional chaos, and in this story his watering efforts extend well beyond his own property in the most neighborly way. A cheerful, summery story about community, generosity, and the simple pleasures of a garden.
Common Themes in Uncle Wiggily Stories
Across all the Uncle Wiggily story books, a few beloved themes appear again and again — making it easy to find exactly the kind of story your child loves best. Use the filter links below to explore by theme:
- Helpfulness & Kindness — Uncle Wiggily’s defining traits: he never passes a friend in need without stopping to lend a hand (or a paw). These themes run through nearly every story in the series.
- Funny Stories — Howard R. Garis had a gift for gentle humor, and many Uncle Wiggily stories are laugh-out-loud delightful. Great for reading aloud to a room full of giggles.
- Friendship & Adventure — Whether visiting old friends or meeting new ones on the road, Uncle Wiggily’s adventures are always rooted in warm companionship and a spirit of exploration.
- Mother Goose — Several Uncle Wiggily stories place the elderly rabbit alongside beloved nursery rhyme characters, making them a wonderful bridge between nursery rhymes and longer bedtime stories.
- Forest Animals & Winter Stories — From snowy sledding days to sun-dappled meadows and woodland adventures, the seasons and natural world play a starring role across the Uncle Wiggily books.
Whether you are reading Uncle Wiggily Longears story books for the very first time or revisiting Howard R. Garis’s classic tales, Ririro offers hundreds of individual stories to explore — all free to read online, with audio available for many. Short, warm, and always ending on a hopeful note, these uncle wiggily stories are ideal for preschool and early primary readers, classroom storytelling, and family bedtime routines alike.
