tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post4891966209373772225..comments2024-02-23T04:47:53.760-05:00Comments on Smother Goose: Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories: "The Two Carolines"Smother Goosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186530202391136732noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-31119400642445053032023-03-05T09:26:51.877-05:002023-03-05T09:26:51.877-05:00I’m so glad I came across this page hahaha. There ...I’m so glad I came across this page hahaha. There was one story I purposely skipped. I didn’t like the picture. I don’t remember the whole story, but it was a boy/girl wanting jam or jelly and being told no? But got it anyway. The jam/jelly were on shelves, stacked up. He/she climbed the shelf and it tipped over and everything fell on, broken glass and spilled jelly/jam everywhere. I really didn’t like that story. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-45605804800628999182023-01-02T23:44:33.863-05:002023-01-02T23:44:33.863-05:00Same here! I LOVED the U/A books, too. I was enter...Same here! I LOVED the U/A books, too. I was entertained as I learned from mistakes of others and better prepared for those same situations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-21172436399268507122023-01-02T23:41:05.705-05:002023-01-02T23:41:05.705-05:00As a child of West Indian heritage, I figured out ...As a child of West Indian heritage, I figured out that his stories were in England. So I expected to see people from his country in the paintings. I must say that I found the British vernacular and slang fascinating ("swell chap" etc.), since I knew relatives who had spent time there and whose accent had changed forever. I found his stories to be a fascinating way to peek into another culture and time period.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-70406183212460492902023-01-02T23:32:49.182-05:002023-01-02T23:32:49.182-05:00I loved and remember all the stories mentioned abo...I loved and remember all the stories mentioned above (Two Carolines, Jerry Fall Down, + Maggie and the Matches, Freda and the Fish, etc.). We loved the laughs, lessons, and entertainment from the crazy situations these kids got into. I'd inherited one Uncle Arthur book from my mother that she owned as a child in Jamaica in the 1940s. Around 1970, we were gifted two beautiful sets of his books which we read as early readers, especially between the ages of 7 - 14. My sister admitted later she was spooked by a bear picture -- bear did not appreciate being shot at by a BB gun -- however, she and I still talk fondly about the stories to this day, as do my kids, who were early readers as well. <br /><br />My daughter entertained herself with these stories -- her choice as well, as an avid reader. She inherited a few Uncle Arthur books from my childhood and 20 more from a local school that closed. She was delighted enough to read them for hours. As a teen she told me she read them all. <br /><br />Real life situations can be much more scary than Uncle Arthur. My husband shares the stories with pictures on slides at church and the kids and teens love them. Adults reading to children should decide which of the plethora of stories is appropriate, then choose an age-appropriate story suitable for the occasion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-24184316451008924092021-04-20T21:09:02.384-04:002021-04-20T21:09:02.384-04:00Of course most of them were white. The stories wer...Of course most of them were white. The stories were written in England, by an Englishman, mostly during the 1920s and 30s. It was still news to see a black person in a big city according to one account I read. There were some moral tales set in Africa among black Africans, and the Africans came out looking very good, at least according to the moral universe of Uncle Arthur, which I really think was good. But the emphasis was on the group, not the individual.Clarionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11216198502583358584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-61313578320938715702020-10-23T16:08:43.587-04:002020-10-23T16:08:43.587-04:00I remember the story. A boy was jumping down a mo...I remember the story. A boy was jumping down a mountain of gravel. It was fun, but then he couldn’t stop. His parents could see he was headed toward a cliff. There wasn’t time to explain. One of them called, Jerry, fall.” The boy fell as if he had been shot. He was only feet shy of the edge. The idea was that he was saved because he obeyed.<br /><br />I remember one about a little girl who was wearing a beaded necklace. She said her prayers, but she could feel that they weren’t getting through. She knew it was the necklace. (Adventists weren’t supposed to wear jewelry in those days.). She jerked off the necklace and said, “Here, take it.” Then her prayers got through.<br /><br />All Arthur Maxwell’s stories had a moral. The moral I got was that God wouldn’t love me unless I could be good. And, of course, I couldn’t be good enough. Although “the Bible tells me so” that Jesus lives me, I still can’t feel it.Sallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11118468782857396231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-13777686012911626872020-01-22T22:44:31.917-05:002020-01-22T22:44:31.917-05:00I have a very clear memory of a picture of a boy r...I have a very clear memory of a picture of a boy running full tilt down a mountain side totally unable to stop . <br />I'm pretty sure the illustration was from an Uncle Arthur book because I know my mother would read them to us .I don't remember if the attached story actually did come from a U/A book but I would really like to find out , particularly after the phone conversation I just had with my younger sister,the gist of the conversation (bearing in mind that we both have grand children we look after) being, did she feel that my two who are 6 and 8 are too closeted .I asked because these kids are still writing letters to santa and I recalled the things we were reading and having read to us .<br />Now I don't ever recall being traumatized by these stories but my sister told me she has had this recurring nightmare all her life about running full tilt down this bleak grey stony mountain side unable to stop unless she throws herself face down on the rock , bizarre eh ? She had no memory of the U/A books and was quite shocked to realise that her nightmare originated from a book , we were 6 and 8 ourselves at this time.<br />As far as being repulsed, terrified ,traumatized etc , I feel these people are being a bit precious and just as well for them that they didn't have to take on board the narration and stark photographic images from that other book mum would read to us , the big white book about the Russian Revolution, pictures of people lined up on their knees in the snow with their hands bound behind their backs while these others walked down the lines shooting them in the back of their heads , graphically illustrating just how low humanity sinks to on a regular basis .Truly , the stuff of nightmares..... and nothings changed .<br />I don't think you have too much to worry about with Uncle Arthur but I would be inclined to aim given content at the appropriate age group .<br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-68595399325769885322019-08-18T18:09:18.596-04:002019-08-18T18:09:18.596-04:00What was my mother thinking, giving her child this...What was my mother thinking, giving her child this book to read.<br />Has anyone noticed that all the families are white and middle class and possible up. What on earth was Vincent, the young farm hand doing trying to find work when the photo of him clearly shows he is still of school age. Yes I get these stories were written in a different time and that is where they belong. Clear desire to brainwash kids to tow the line or suffer the consequences. I particularly hate the wickedness of MOTHER teaching her children what Maxell's spin on creation is about. bring on the worms and how wonderful that MOTHER encouraged her CHILDREN to not believe or respect what their teacher was saying. Then again this is why religious studies should be taught separately for those who are inclined and not in schools. Yep looks like Jesus will not be taking me to one of his mansions in the skies. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00325332653424245040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-83065662458713598572019-07-31T23:52:52.054-04:002019-07-31T23:52:52.054-04:00Wow, I would never have dreamed of being traumatiz...Wow, I would never have dreamed of being traumatized by these stories. Some people are way too sensitive I think. As for Caroline, I was a bit like her, not very nice and rather snoty at home but ever so pleasant around everyone else. My parents pointed it out and read the story and it worked to make me realize I was being unkind at home for no particular reason but nice to everyone else because I didn't want them to think badly of me. It didn't make me distrustful of adults or worried about life or any other silly ideas people might think up. It just brought it to my attention so I could see how I was behaving and I modified my behavior as I saw fit once I recognized it. People just need to lighten up. If anything it taught me to be more mean to everyone else outside of the home because it's calling people out for acting "fake nice" in public lol.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-13775044477271476402019-04-02T12:26:02.049-04:002019-04-02T12:26:02.049-04:00Deeply sick stuff. The only thing I'll cre...Deeply sick stuff. The only thing I'll credit Uncle Arthur for (besides a bunch of nightmares) is the way this stuff smacked religionism out of me at a very early age. Right up there with "Miracle of Marcellino" if you want to mess up your kid. Tim Pagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13603643071756281406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-13638982635721255752019-02-26T06:18:31.107-05:002019-02-26T06:18:31.107-05:00I cannot forget this storyI cannot forget this storyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13441463426339242990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-78617348428056619982019-02-13T13:26:34.112-05:002019-02-13T13:26:34.112-05:00I loved these books as a child. So much so, that I...I loved these books as a child. So much so, that I always looked forward to going to the dentist because he kept copies in his waiting room. Fast forward 40+years. Earlier this week I accompanied a friend to a Dr appt. While waiting I noticed a copy of the Bedtime Stories and began reading the stories I had loved so much as a kid. <br />I realize that in 2019 these stories might seem "dated". Clearly "Smother Goose" finds humor in being snarky and sarcastic. Stories that teach lessons in kindness, generosity, courage etc might be an easy target to ridicule. But these surly blogs show "Smother Gooses" lack of creativity and banal attempt at humor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-87580590245145919402018-02-11T02:46:38.366-05:002018-02-11T02:46:38.366-05:00Every other comment is basically "danged kids...Every other comment is basically "danged kids these days, back in MY day ..." Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18366752750085894494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-14500044238045344402017-07-14T09:36:30.433-04:002017-07-14T09:36:30.433-04:00I loved Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories. I had ...I loved Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories. I had a rough time growing up, and having these stories to read, about a world where parents cared enough to set boundaries, and where children were valued, helped me to hold on until adulthood. God bless Uncle Arthur, wherever he may be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-55038551646220188382017-07-12T17:18:09.380-04:002017-07-12T17:18:09.380-04:00I remember reading these books as a kid even then...I remember reading these books as a kid even then I was both puzzled and repelled by this these weird moralistic and downright creepy stories. My own kids have done quite well without them. RobynVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-5179486850797470212017-07-11T08:54:43.200-04:002017-07-11T08:54:43.200-04:00If JESUS Himself was misinterpreted how about Uncl...If JESUS Himself was misinterpreted how about Uncle Arthur...am so glad my mum read me those stories...my life has never been the same.By Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09240658367095172916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-73596019210324995772017-01-21T17:07:33.225-05:002017-01-21T17:07:33.225-05:00I love this blog... hilarious!! Thanks so much! Am...I love this blog... hilarious!! Thanks so much! Amazing to find out I'm not the only one scarred for life by creepy uncle Arthur. I found you as I was searching for images of the Bible Stories for possible use in my art. I was trying to remember the whole Adam and Eve ( as well as Jesus and everyone else in the Bible) were apparently corn fed white folks from Iowa visual of it all. Keep writing please. ✨<br /><br />EveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-62965980776565377832016-09-20T05:04:43.311-04:002016-09-20T05:04:43.311-04:00I grew up in the 80s and wasn't terrified by t...I grew up in the 80s and wasn't terrified by these. I also didn't let my dreams change my view of ppl, bcuz dreams can be deceiving. I think the story you're looking for is "a boy in chains".The Weekly Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08438258261628580479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-64110503593965902222016-09-20T04:59:24.525-04:002016-09-20T04:59:24.525-04:00passivity? self hatred? please elaborate: these st...passivity? self hatred? please elaborate: these stories had children actively doing kind deeds, owning up to mistakes, making amends, helping each other....The Weekly Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08438258261628580479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-30505982928850419212016-09-20T04:54:54.975-04:002016-09-20T04:54:54.975-04:00I totally guilt ed my daughter with is one and nic...I totally guilt ed my daughter with is one and nicknamed her "Caroline"! she's helpful and kind at school, but only whines and rolls her eyes with me :/The Weekly Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08438258261628580479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-72584375944302307012016-03-14T12:10:45.060-04:002016-03-14T12:10:45.060-04:00I also remember Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories...I also remember Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories! This one was relatively mild by his standards. There was one story that REALLY terrified me about two naughty children who get into their Uncle Pete's new car (why on earth didn't he keep it locked?!) and mess with the controls, and it starts going, and they can't stop it. A brave neighbour rescues them at the last minute, but to this *day* I sometimes have nightmares about cars running away with me and my being unable to stop them. Another scary story was about a boy who played ball against medical advice, and ended up being rushed to hospital with 'a serious heart attack'. I read this story when I was in hospital (not for that reason!) and found it very scary; why were these books always in hospital wards or doctors' surgeries?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07934230221910913661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-46422622390261030352015-12-19T20:20:40.687-05:002015-12-19T20:20:40.687-05:00I have looking for this book for more than 20 year...I have looking for this book for more than 20 years, excellent moral stories that this generation is lacking, found on amazon, can't wait to read to my adult children and grandchild.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17562181429526145865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-27447188744036963642015-05-14T16:30:41.382-04:002015-05-14T16:30:41.382-04:00My favorite bedtime story as a kid! hahaha! Thank ...My favorite bedtime story as a kid! hahaha! Thank you for sharing and reminding me of a precious memory from my childhood. This one was my favorite, but I liked Mother's Hands as well. Her selflessness made me want to be a giving mother too. Awesome. With the two Carolines, I learned not only to respect adults in the public arena, but also in private. I began to realize that I shouldn't be one way at home and one way at school, but obedient and grateful all the time....love it! I am so excited that I now know the series can still be purchased. I was sure it had to be out of print! Can't wait to get it for my sons!!! :)Noni-Ayanna Gobern-Roachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17269827166682310311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-24132049919030962652014-12-15T13:24:09.524-05:002014-12-15T13:24:09.524-05:00Most of the stories were, quite frankly, not suita...Most of the stories were, quite frankly, not suitable for children! One story, which my now grown daughter was read...often...was The Two Carolines. Unfortunately, she didn't learn the lesson and is still that way.<br />As fate would have it, she's expecting her own daughter now. As my father told my (wild child) of a sister when she was expecting my niece, "I hope you have a daughter just like you were" lol Some traits are inborn, and no matter how hard you try, a mother won't change them...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7339768093089190228.post-85517180887770336732014-07-28T22:43:06.074-04:002014-07-28T22:43:06.074-04:00I LOVED reading these books when I was quite young...I LOVED reading these books when I was quite young. I remember thinking that most of the terrible things that happened in the stories were the result of not listening and learning from your parents, but instead learning lessons the hard way. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com