Review of "Bobbie Bubbles," by E. Hugh Sherwood and Maud Gridley Budlong

Review of

Bobbie Bubbles, by E. Hugh Sherwood and Maud Gridley Budlong

Five out of five stars

 Although there are many features of this book that are similar to other fantasy tales for children, this is a delightful book. One day Bobbie is out in the garden with Betty and Billy blowing soap bubbles and there is a contest to see who can create the biggest bubble. Bobbie blows one that is so large that it engulfs him and it sails away with him inside.

 It does not take long for him to realize that it is a magic bubble and it takes him up into the sky where he encounters flying geese and several different kingdoms populated by many different characters and creatures. There is a farm in the sky, a kingdom ruled by the warlike King of Mars with his soldiers, a beautiful queen of the fairies along with her flying girls, the four different Winds and lastly the Comet Express. Bobbie encounters difficulties, but until the end something always intervenes to keep him safe. It is the wicked Comet Express that bursts his bubble and brings him back to Earth, landing in the sea. Somehow, Bobbie is transported back to his garden where he is sitting in a puddle.

 While there are dangers in Bobbie’s adventure, none are even close to being the scary type, making this an excellent story for young children. The illustrations are mostly in color and are well done. Although published in 1916, this is a book that has retained its charm for over a century.