The blowing away of Mr. Bushy Tail

In Short

This charming children’s fantasy tells the story of Mr. Bushy Tail, a squirrel who leaves his hungry family during a harsh winter to secure food. Blown off course by a fierce North wind, he travels to the South Pole, where he encounters eccentric creatures before catching the South wind back home. The book has endured as a classic of early twentieth-century juvenile literature, loved for its gentle pacing, imaginative creatures, and the comforting, fable-like resolution that prioritizes the warmth of family life over the grandeur of the unknown.

The Story

The narrative begins in a cozy but desperate tree house during an exceptionally cold winter. Mr. and Mrs. Bushy Tail find their pantry empty, leaving them unable to feed their two young children. Fearing for their survival, Mr. Bushy Tail decides to brave the frozen woods to seek help from his relatives. Despite his wife’s tearful protests, he sets out, successfully securing a bag of corn and oats from the Chipmunks. However, the weather turns violent on his return trip. After accidentally sliding down a chimney into Mrs. Mole’s underground home, he ventures back into the storm, only to be lifted off his feet by the relentless North wind.

He is carried for miles until he is unceremoniously dropped atop the South Pole. Stranded in an unfamiliar climate, Mr. Bushy Tail finds himself in a sun-drenched land where it is currently summer. He meets a polite, squeaky-voiced Ant-Eater who feeds on insects and directs him toward the Ring-Tailed Snorter, a boisterous creature with a penchant for making loud, trumpet-like noises. The Snorter proves to be an unexpected ally, leaping across the terrain and eventually launching Mr. Bushy Tail into the path of the South wind.

The return journey is far more pleasant than the outward one. The South wind carries him gently across the globe, allowing him to stop and forage for delicious nuts along the way. When he finally lands near his own woods, spring has arrived. He rushes home to find his family safe but anxious, having assumed he was lost in the blizzard. The family is reunited, and the story concludes with a heartwarming scene by the fire, where Mr. Bushy Tail recounts his strange and marvelous adventures to his children. The book captures a sense of wonder, balancing the genuine peril of a lost traveler with the whimsical, harmless nature of the animals he meets. It remains a straightforward, linear tale that focuses on the triumph of a father’s persistence and the deep relief of a safe homecoming.

How It Unfolds

The winter crisis The story opens with a domestic scene where the Bushy Tail family faces starvation, prompting the protagonist to leave his home in search of supplies. His wife expresses deep concern, setting the stakes for the perilous journey that follows.

A successful errand Mr. Bushy Tail reaches his relatives and obtains a bag of food, but his path home is interrupted by a fierce snowstorm. He loses his way and tumbles down a chimney, leading to a brief, polite encounter with a hospitable mole.

The flight to the pole The North wind strikes with sudden force, whisking the squirrel away from the safety of the trees. He is carried across vast, empty landscapes until he eventually lands on the South Pole.

An exotic encounter Stranded in a land of summer, Mr. Bushy Tail meets an ant-eating creature and a noisy, kangaroo-like beast. These encounters provide a fantastical contrast to his mundane life as a squirrel.

The journey home With the assistance of the Ring-Tailed Snorter, Mr. Bushy Tail catches the South wind. This return trip is characterized by gentle travel and successful foraging, culminating in his joyous reunion with his family.

The People

Mr. Bushy Tail is the protagonist, a squirrel motivated entirely by his love for his wife and children. He is characterized by a slight vanity regarding his soft fur, but more importantly, he is pragmatic, polite, and determined. Throughout his ordeal, he remains focused on his responsibility to his family, even when distracted by his bizarre surroundings.

Mrs. Bushy Tail acts as the emotional anchor of the story. While she is initially fearful and anxious, her role highlights the vulnerability of the family unit during the winter. Her relief at her husband's return serves as the emotional resolution of the book.

Grandmother Chipmunk provides a grounding, somewhat humorous presence in the home. Her snoring and her habit of looking over her spectacles add a touch of domestic realism that makes the following fantasy elements feel more grounded.

Mr. Quills and the Ring-Tailed Snorter are the primary inhabitants of the South Pole. The Ant-Eater is depicted as dignified and somewhat fussy about his diet, while the Snorter is a boisterous, gregarious traveler. Both creatures are defined by their helpful, if strange, nature; they exist to assist the protagonist in his return, serving as bridges between the world of the South Pole and the safety of the North.

In Its Own Voice

“Whatever shall we do? Starve?”

Grandma Chipmunk asks this pointed question after learning that the family cupboard is completely bare of winter supplies.

“I did not hear you knock,” said she.

Mrs. Mole expresses her surprise when Mr. Bushy Tail suddenly arrives in her underground room after falling down her chimney.

“I am the world famous Quilly Ant-Eater, of whom you have doubtless heard.”

The Ant-Eater introduces himself with great pride while offering his guest a meal of ants.

What It's Really About

At its core, the story examines the tension between domestic duty and the chaotic, uncontrollable forces of the natural world. Mr. Bushy Tail’s journey is an allegory for the trials of a provider; he faces the "winds" of life that threaten to blow him far from his responsibilities, yet he maintains his identity and purpose throughout. The book also touches on the concept of hospitality, contrasting the warmth of the home with the strange, welcoming, yet alien nature of the creatures he meets abroad. Ultimately, it is a celebration of the "happy and contented" family, arguing that the greatest adventure is the one that leads you safely back to those you love.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate classic, gentle children’s literature will find much to admire in this story. It possesses the rhythmic, comforting quality of a bedtime tale, where even the most frightening encounters—like falling down a chimney or being caught in a gale—are handled with a light, humorous touch. The prose is clean and descriptive, focusing on the sensory details of the snowy woods and the sunlit glades of the South Pole.

Modern readers should be prepared for the book's period sensibilities; the dialogue is formal, reflecting the manners of a bygone era, and the pacing is leisurely, moving with the measured stride of an old-fashioned fable. There is no modern irony here, only a straightforward sincerity that treats the squirrel's struggle with the same gravity as a human adventure. Those who enjoy tales of anthropomorphized animals, like those of Beatrix Potter, will recognize a similar spirit here. The book is a brief, evocative escape, perfect for readers seeking a story that honors the value of home without lingering too long on the perils of the path. It leaves one with a lingering, quiet appreciation for the changing seasons and the simple joys of a full cupboard and a warm family.