Review of The Pogo Papers

Walt Kelly, 1953, The Pogo Papers, Simon and Schuster. Pogo is nominated for the job of President, and his friends try to hook him up with a first lady. Of course they have in mind mademoiselle Hepzibah, the gorgeous French lady skunk. <br><br>

Come to find out that Pogo doesn't want to marry anybody, and decides to become the curly-haired orphan girl (excuse me, gal) from the funny papers. He asks Beauregard to be the loyal dog. This is one of several times that Walt Kelly referenced Little Orphan Annie in the strip. There is always trouble, because both Annie and her dog have their eyes blunked out.<br><br>

The three bats, Bewitched, Bothered, and Bemildred, play a major role in this book. Here, they can be distinguished by their trousers. In some of the other books, two of them wear the same patterns on their pants, and this may be why they don't always know who they are.<br><br>

The scene shifts, uneasily, and folks are lost and found. Just in time for carol practice, which is sorely needed. A case of mistaken identity is followed up with a case of identity that is all too unmistakable. And this book includes my favorite single line from all of the Pogo books. Look for the name Jacksonville and you will find it. Near the end of the book a wildcat named Simple J. Malarkey is introduced. He bears an uncanny resemblance to Joe McCarthy. A great deal more hilarity ensues, and on the back cover you will find instructions for the book's disposal.<br><br>

040226

seamounts <br>

volcanic islands once<br> 

dotted this water world 

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her old dog so few days left 

033126

 when moons collide <br>

ringing the world's bell

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two-room<br>

museum showcases<br>

three artists

Review of Pogo: Prisoner of Love

Walt Kelly, 1969, Pogo: Prisoner of Love. The book begins, as they so often do, with a secessionist plot. Actually, this is the only one that does that, but it does a real bang-up job. The new anthem is popular because it's all sung on one note. You know the one, it begins "I was eating some chop suey." <br><br>

In the second part of the book, the women of the swamp, led by Miss Sis Boombah, the formidable chicken, decide that they have been mistreated. They retaliate by attempting to marry the president, who happens to be Pogo. Along the way, a treasure, a ghost, or possibly a skeleton, is discovered. Firearms are employed, to little effect. Finally, all's well that ends well. And there is cake.<br><br>

At the time of writing this book could be had for as little as $8 plus shipping.<br><br>

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 beachfront property on a moonless world