Homage To An Australian Childhood
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs (1918) is the quintessential Australian children’s storybook, all about little gumnut babies and their adventures with other creatures of the bush. I remember having it read to my third grade class by a favourite teacher, and being entirely enthralled.
After joyfully pouncing on it in a bookstore one day, I begged my sister to buy me my very own copy “for my 8th birthday”, I coaxed. It cost six whole dollars; very expensive at the time. She bought it for me on the spot – or so I remember – and I have it to this day. The book is very decrepit now, having lost its spine through some misadventure long ago, and I have a recollection of spilling Coke on the cover. I was very upset at the time.
I’d had an idea to dress up as Ragged Blossom in homage to May Gibbs last year, but it was only when I found a vintage hat with all its unravelling tulle that it began to come together. Then I snapped up a pink Hawaiian skirt, and found a Ragged Blossom tree actually all in bloom just three weeks ago. Add a magenta wig borrowed from my cousin, a bit of Photoshop magic, and Little Ragged Blossom comes to life a hundred years after she is first written.
I particularly love the suave pair of gumnuts in the upper box. 
I distinctly recall being fascinated by this particular illustration. How apt.
The End.