Uncle Wiggily

I was reminded of a childhood game the other day.  It was one of my favorites.  Uncle Wiggily.

It was a boardgame based on a series of children's stories written by Howard R. Garis.  He was prolific, penning 79 books and many stories over the years.  The illustrations in the books are beautiful, timeless pieces of art.  Search engine Uncle Wiggily and check it out.

Uncle Wiggily was an elderly engaging rabbit who has rheumatism.  He gets around with the help of a red, white, blue cane resembling a barber's pole. 

He takes a lot of trips, goes on many adventures and meets many others on the way.

He encounters 'bad chaps' who make life difficult for him.  They perform pranks and some want to take 'ear nibbles'.  Remember, these were written with little kids in mind, so the violence is played down. 

Uncle Wiggily also has many friends ad allies who travel with him and aid him to safety.  I find it amusing he has a niece and nephew, no kids though.  Why is it these guys/gals are almost always like that?  Donald Duck, Popeye etal have the same situation.  Puritanical overtones?  Who knows lol?

He often helps friends out of bad predicaments before the 'bad chaps' descend.  As well he is aided by them in thwarting bad machinations.  He also relies on his crutch and an occasional 'thing-a-ma-bob' brought along in a satchel against the villains. 

The games takes players from Uncle Wiggily's place to Dr Possum's house.  There are traps and obstacles along the way.

Up to four people can play, so there is a little competition, taking turns and so forth.

About those traps and obstacles, I remember the fox in particular.  Even in early childhood, I figured he'd do more than nibble an ear or prank the Uncle.

Need I point out the analogy?  Real life is more than pranks and ear nibbles.  Our bad chaps are evil, malignant, controlling.  We are in the fight of our lives.

We must be resourceful.  Devise solutions as we go along.  We can't draw another card when it's our turn.  We have to think on our feet.

Being wiggily is helpful.  Flexibility is key.

Perhaps the game was a very early indication of something more.

Unlike wiggling our way out like our slimeball enemies, we simply wade in, with agility.

We need wiggle room and an uncle able and willing to teach us -s-.