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 series of books written by Australian author May Gibbs. The books chronicle the adventures of the eponymous Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The central story arc concerns Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (who are essentially homunculi) and their adventures along with troubles with the villains of the story, the "Banksia Men". The first book of the series, Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: their wonderful adventures was published in 1918.
Description
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the gumnut babies, are the protagonists of the story and are modelled on the appearance of young Eucalyptus (gum tree) nuts. The female gumnut babies, however, have their hair, hats and skirts modelled on Eucalyptus flowers.
May Gibbs based some of the characters and scenery on the plants found in the bushland of Harvey, Western Australia, where she played as a child.
The "big bad" Banksia Men are the villains of the story and are modelled on the appearance of aged Banksia "cones", with follicles for eyes and other facial features.
Books
May Gibbs wrote a number of titles based on her creations. The first publication was in 1918, Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: their adventures wonderful, and the set of works was first collected in 1940 as, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, with the cover declaring Including Little Ragged Blossom and Little Obelia.
- Others are
- 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/the Original Characters Created By May Gibbs; Redrawn By Noela Young; Adapted By David Harris. (1975)
- Snugglepot and Cuddlepie meet Mr Lizard (1970).
Honours
In 1985 a postage stamp honouring the protagonists or their creator was issued by Australia Post as part of a set of five commemorating children's books.
Northcott and Cerebral Palsy Alliance
On 27 November 1969 May Gibbs died. On passing she bequeathed royalties of her Snugglepot and Cuddlepie creations jointly to the Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance (formerly known as The Spastic Centre). Since then both charitable organisations have been able to use these royalties to further their respective programmes helping children and adults with disabilities.
Images for kids
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A Banksia man, from May Gibbs' Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
