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A Shire Sketchbook  by Baggins Babe 8 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/20/2008
That's so like Frodo to wonder how the toad survived Saruman's bullies. And of course, the children would give the toad a name and Sam would talk to it.
It's amazing how you manage to write about so many different animals at Bag End - who would have thought that a toad could make for such a lovely ficlet?

Author Reply: I'm sure the children would give the toad a name, and Sam was no doubt delighted to have such a helpful creature in the garden.

Glad you liked Mr Pootle - he is rather sweet, isn't he?

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
I loved this BB

Frodo wonders what happened to the toad while the ruffians were around. He was obviously a very sensible creature and stayed out of their way, camouflaged against soil and stones.

Given that Orcs nearly overlooked then and then thought that they were nothing but more orcs it seems that Servants of Sauron are not good at seeing what is right under their noses.

Author Reply: No, the servants of Sauron weren't that bright, were they? Lucky for Mr Pootle, who no doubt stayed in the shelter of rocks and moved cautiously at all times.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the visit to Hobbiton.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
I love these tales with Frodo being able to stay with his brother and all his nieces and nephews, instead of just seeing them with his heart and living there with them, but here he had them and they have him as flesh and blood to embrace and love. What joy it gives them all! Thank you for another glimpse into that life.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: I'm delighted that you enjoyed another little visit to my Shire. I do like to have Frodo safe and happy in the Shire, surrounded by those he loves.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
Toads are very much to be appreciated in a garden, one of natures pest control officers. My Great Aunt, a country women, unfortunatley hated them and would kill them on sight. Old superstions die hard!
Lynda

Author Reply: Poor toads - it is such a shame that they have been viewed with such suspicion over the centuries. I think they're sweet, and wonderful pest control officers, as you say. :-)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
Ah, we like Mr. Pootle.

I had a huge garden toad here when I moved in, but it was hit by a friend wielding the lawn mower. But the other day as I was removing a broad-leafed weed a number of young toads who'd been sheltering under it began hurrying through the garden looking for another hiding place. Each is about an inch long and the same muddy brown color. I've seen as many as ten at a time, so obviously some toad managed to reproduce, and my garden should be well protected for a good long time!

Author Reply: i'm glad you like Mr Pootle! He's rather cute, I admit.

Poor toad - lawn mowers are always a hazard. How nice to find lots of young toads though. Your garden is in safe hands.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
Aww...I love the way you have "peopled" Bag End with all sorts of very personable animals--Mr. Pootle! There *has* to be a story behind a name like *that*! LOL!

And a toad would be a very valuable asset to a gardener!

Author Reply: *giggles* Yes, it is a strange name - I tend to call my cats 'pootle' as an affectionate nickname sometimes and when the story came to me I just had to call the toad Mr Pootle. He seems to be quite a character and a real asset to Sam.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
Ohhh, I love Bag End and all of its residents, hobbit and otherwise! Plodly and Mr. Pootle, Rufus and Sooty, all contribute to this happy home. :)

Author Reply: Bag End must have some interesting animals and I thought Mr Pootle would be an entertaining addition.

Glad you enjoyed.

utfrogReviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/19/2008
From my name you can tell, I love frogs and toads - this is just lovely. Thanks

Author Reply: I like all animals and frogs and toads are so useful, yet they are not as protected as some - possibly because they're not furry.

Glad you liked Mr Pootle!

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