Muddle Cuddle

by Laurel Dee Gugler, Vlasta Van Kampen (Illustrator)

Dad is relaxing in his chair when Teddy decides he wants to sit in his lap. But Dad shouldn't get too comfortable, because now "Kitty wants to sit in your lap a little bit ... A comfy, cozy, furry, purry cuddle."

24 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Whimsical words dance and frolic across the pages of Laurel’s books. A storyteller as well as an author, she has been sharing stories since l988. Laurel’s delight in playful word crafting is apparent in her oral storytelling as well as in her books. Her first book, Mashed Potato Mountain, was published in 1988. Casey’s Carousel followed in 1989. These were followed by a number of Annick books. Muddle Cuddle features a cast of cuddle-seekers who pile onto Dad’s lap. Quill and Quire says, “Muddle Cuddle is a delight—from text to art, from teddy to puppy, from start to finish.” In Monkey Tales, every imaginable kind of monkey finds its way into the three mischievous, funny misadventures.

Born in Kansas, Laurel grew up on a farm with cows, chickens, turkeys, kittens, and lots of sisters. Expected to help with the work, she milked cows by hand, gathered eggs, fed the animals, and drove a zippy red tractor. Her early education began in a tiny, rural, one-teacher school, which, unfortunately, had a tiny library. However, the teacher brought books from the city’s public library, and Laurel eagerly devoured these. “Perhaps limited access to books during my early years is a reason I enjoy reading and writing them now,” she says.

Since leaving Kansas, Laurel has worked as an elementary school teacher, education coordinator of Hamilton Children’s Museum, founder and coordinator of a multicultural storytelling group for Hamilton’s SHAIR International Resource Centre, and author/storyteller in the Artist-in-the-Classroom program for HWS School Board. As well, she has volunteered as an English teacher in India, toured the U.S. with a traveling peace display, and taught Elderhostel courses in Family Stories.

Laurel continues to bring multimedia author and storytelling presentations to schools, libraries, and other venues.

Reviews

[Msor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun read-aloud book for toddlers. Rhythmic and rhymey and great illustrations.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of cuddling and repetition make for this story destined to be read on the easy chair to children (and whatever else will fit).