Showing results by author "Ellis Parker Butler" in All Categories

Dive into the witty world of Ellis Parker Butler, the mastermind behind the beloved classic Pigs Is Pigs. In this delightful tale, we explore the life of Hiram and Marthy, a couple living a peaceful life in their charming Colorado town. They pride themselves on not having children, relishing the quiet and the savings that come with it—after all, how else could Hiram afford to surprise Marthy with a new silk dress? Their lives take a humorous turn as they navigate their feelings toward the adorable neighborhood kids while secretly enjoying their child-free existence. But everything changes ...

Join us for a delightful romp through the world of advertising, where Perkins and the narrator concoct hilarious promotions for some truly questionable products. This duo targets a gullible public, and rather than facing the typical downfall of con artists, they revel in their success, growing wealthier and more content with every scheme. Experience these amusing tales that turn the notion of morality on its head, as Perkins and Co. thrive in their charmingly dubious endeavors. (Summary by Arnold Banner)

Join Philo Gubb, a wallpaper-hanger with dreams of becoming a detective like his idol Sherlock Holmes. Enrolling in a correspondence course, he receives lessons and disguises through the mail, ready to tackle mysteries. However, Philo isn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, nor does he look great in his costumes. Yet, his hapless charm leads him to stumble upon one case after another, ultimately solving each mystery in the most unconventional ways. Each story stands alone, so whether you dive into one or all, youll enjoy the whimsical adventures of Philo Gubb and his delightfully clumsy...

In a whimsical twist inspired by Lives of the Saints, the slothful and hapless Harvey Redding decides to abandon his junk-collecting ways to pursue a path to sainthood. However, with mounting debts owed to his sister, he has reluctantly placed his son Lem in pawn with her until he can find a way to repay what he owes. Will Harvey find redemption, or will his laziness lead him further astray? (Summary by Dale Barkley)

In the charming town of Kilo, Iowa, wandering salesman Eliph Hewlitt discovers the love of his life and decides to put down roots. Join him on this heartfelt journey of romance and self-discovery. - Summary by Dale Barkley

Dive into the delightful world of Ellis Parker Butler, a celebrated American author known for his wit and humor. With over 30 books and more than 2,000 stories and essays to his name, Butler offers a charming collection of eight short stories that capture the quirks of everyday life. Join us for a journey filled with laughter and insight, narrated by KirksVoice.

Join us as we explore the challenges of saving for a babys education in Cheerful Smugglers. How can a young family cultivate the discipline to consistently add to their piggy bank? Our quirky solution? Impose a tariff on all the items entering the household—just like the U.S. government once did! But beware, the devil is in the details. What do we do about the items visitors bring? Are guests themselves taxable? And how do we differentiate between essentials and luxuries? As guests arrive, they might just resort to smuggling items in their luggage to dodge a hefty 30% tax, or simply wear ...

Ever wondered why your neighbor seems overly devoted to his car? Or where to find a top-notch gardener? What about the debate over whether to invite Santa Claus to the Christmas party? Welcome to suburbia, a world that remains largely unchanged since 1911. Join Sarah Jennings as she explores these quirky dilemmas and everyday adventures of suburban life.