The Little Fur Family

By Margaret Wise Brown

Pictures by Garth Williams

Originally published 1946

This edition 1985

 

This story of the little fur family is very simple and the rhythmic text is so comforting and beautiful.  It’s a tiny book and it is covered in soft fur.  

 

In the story, there is no danger for the little fur child to face.  He has small adventures in the “wild” wood – friendly encounters with a fish, a bug, and the tiniest fur animal.  Then a brief visit with Grandpa who comes out of his log just to say “Bless you” to his little fur grandchild.  His day ends when his big fur parents tuck him in bed “all soft and warm”, and sing him to sleep.  

Sleep, sleep, our little fur child,

Out of the windiness,

Out of the wild.

Sleep warm in your fur

All night long,

In your little fur family.

This is a song.

The little fur child had his little adventures and knew that at the end of the day he would return to the steady comfort of a loving home.

We know that one day the little fur child will grow up.  He will go out into the wild world and it will not always be as friendly and comforting.  But for now, it is.  And for now, that’s all we can do.  It has to be enough.