May Gibbs was an Australian author and illustrator who dreamed up little creatures like Gum-Nut Babies and Wattle Babies almost 100 years ago! Her inspiration came from the native plants of Australia. Gum nuts come from Eucalyptus (Gum) trees and she used the nuts as little hats on their heads. Apparently, so she writes, "only grown-up Nuts can take off their caps". Well, of course. ;) The Gum-Nut Babies were named Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Major aww!
I had the bookmark on the left when I was little. It CRACKED me up every time. ;)
Wattle Babies were my favourite. These were inspired by the Wattle or Acacia tree which grows all over Australia. The flowers are tiny little yellow fuzzies. I love that Ms. Gibbs translated them into cute little tutu outfits for tiny bush babies. Adorable!
Not all was cute and lovely though...there was the terrifying Banksia Man. These Aussie bush critters were based on the seed pods from the Banksia tree. The pods have an interesting feature...when they catch on fire, the pods open and seeds fall out and germinate the ground below. With bush fires being quite common in Australia, this is a great survival mechanism for these plants. Having said that though, Bankia pods terrified me as a child because of their portrayal in May Gibbs books. They abducted Gum Nut Babies. Oh no!!
But overall, the world that May Gibbs created was one full of happiness and love. While her fairies didn't possess any magical skills or qualities, they took care of their world, nature - both bugs and baby animals like. It fills my heart to know that they are still popular 100 years after they were originally published. I sincerely hope they will still be enchanting little ones for another 100 years!
Were you a Snugglepot and Cuddlepie fan? Tell me more!
