Actually, the original Bumpsie belonged to my husband Don's aunt about 30 years ago. He was a family favorite. A year ago when Don was in the local pet store he saw a South American red-footed tortoise and couldn't resist bringing him home. Bumpsie arrived in a shoebox as a surprise for me. I could not imagine what I was going to do with him. Then, I got to know Bumpsie. He actually has quite a ersonality.
He and I have a lot in common. We both love gardens and when I work in mine, I bring Bumpsie with me. I do have to be careful about where he goes because he loves to eat the flowers. (You can read all about that in "Bumpsie's Garden!") Sometimes, funny things happen when we garden together. Tortoises hide inside their shells when they are startled. Who do you think starteled Bumpsie in my garden? (You¹ll have to read "Bumpsie, The Red-Footed Tortise" to find out.)Bumpsie is such a special little guy, that I had the perfect habitat built just for him. He has a hideout where he can feel safe; a water saucer because he loves to drink; special lights to keep him warm; a mister to keep him moist; and the floor is soft just like his natural habitat in the rainforest. He doesn¹t each much because we don't want his body to outgrow his carapace (just a fancy word for his shell) but we do put fruit, vegetables, and his favorite, impatiens, in his house when it is time for him to eat. Soon, plush Bumpsie toys will be available online. Our Bumpsie Pet Package contains a 9" stuffed toy of Bumpsie, his favorite book (Bumpsie, The Red-Footed Tortoise or Bumpsie's Colorful Garden), a package of flower seeds, his friend the butterfly, and a water saucer inside a handmade Bumpsie crate. The Bumpsie Pet Package is a great way to make storytime interactive. It is a wonderful gift for any child, but especially for those who cannot or do not have live pets.

Bumpsie The Red-Footed Tortoise
This is an introduction to Bumpsie and his friends.The story tells about Bumpsie¹s likes and dislikes. It encourages children to eat their fruits and vegetables, just like Bumpsie does.

Bumpsie's Garden
Bumpsie¹s Garden is a great way for children to learn their colors. Each page has delightful, imaginative photos and graphics of flowers, gardens, and their inhabitants.  Your child will learn not only their colors, but also about the flowers and the buggy friends who live in the garden