The Tale of Kiddie Katydid

"The Tale of Kiddie Katydid" by Arthur Scott Bailey is a children's story written in the early 20th century, part of the "Tuck-Me-In Tales" series. This charming tale revolves around Kiddie Katydid, a musical insect whose catchy refrain—"Katy did, Katy did; she did, she did!"—captures the attention of the other woodland creatures during the summer nights. A delightful mixture of humor and gentle life lessons unfolds as Kiddie's adventures and interactions with various characters highlight themes of friendship, bravery, and self-acceptance. The plot follows Kiddie Katydid as he navigates life in Pleasant Valley, dealing with other nocturnal creatures like Mr. Nighthawk and Mr. Frog. A significant portion of the story centers around the mystery of "Katy" and the secrets shared among the Katydids. As the narrative progresses, Kiddie's growing confidence shines through, especially when he refuses the taunts of his rivals and embraces his unique talents. Eventually, a twist arises with the arrival of Leaper the Locust's long-lost cousins, prompting Kiddie to reflect on his values and friendships. Bailey's storytelling, combined with enchanting illustrations, makes this tale an engaging read for children and a delightful reminder of the beauty of individuality and community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arthur Scott Bailey was an American writer. He was the author of more than forty children's books. He was born in St. Albans, Vermont, United States, the second child of Winfield Scott Bailey and Harriet Sarah Goodhue. Winfield Bailey owned a dry goods shop that was stated to be "one of the most reputable of St. Albans mercantile concerns" and specialized in furs; namely ladies' fur coats, muffs and scarves. Bailey attended St. Albans Academy and graduated in 1896, in a class of only eleven other students. He then went on to the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, where he became involved in a fraternal organization, Sigma Phi.