The Tale of Rusty Wren

"The Tale of Rusty Wren" by Arthur Scott Bailey is a children's storybook written in the early 20th century, specifically in 1917. This charming narrative is part of the "Tuck-Me-In Tales" series and revolves around the lives of Rusty Wren and his family as they navigate the challenges of finding a home and raising their young. Through their adventures, the themes of family, community, and the beauty of nature are depicted in a way that is engaging for young readers. The storyline follows Rusty Wren, who seeks a suitable home for his family near Farmer Green’s dooryard. When they settle into a tin can nailed to a tree, Rusty takes pride in waking Farmer Green each morning with his cheerful singing. However, Rusty soon becomes jealous of a cuckoo clock that Farmer Green has brought home, as it seems to take over his role as the alarm clock. Throughout the tale, Rusty faces various predicaments, including the arrival of a mischievous blue jay and challenges in accommodating hired help. Ultimately, the story combines humor and life lessons, demonstrating the importance of family and friendship as Rusty juggles the joys and challenges of fatherhood amidst his charming community of woodland friends. (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.