The King of Gee-Whiz

by Emerson Hough

"The King of Gee-Whiz" by Emerson Hough is a whimsical children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the peculiar adventures of the Widow Pickle and her unusual twins, Zuzu and Lulu, who possess strikingly colored hair—green and blue. Their journey begins in a whimsical setting where magic and chemistry intertwine, leading them to a fantastical land filled with extraordinary characters and magical objects. The opening of this tale introduces the reader to the Widow Pickle and her twins, highlighting their unusual hair colors resulting from their father's experimental concoctions. As the widow faces challenges, she discovers mysterious chemical substances left by her late husband, which eventually lead to a visit from a curious little man claiming to be the private secretary of the King of Gee-Whiz. His arrival sets in motion a series of enchanting events filled with self-playing instruments, magical wishes, and the promise of adventure as they seek their fortune in the kingdom where color and whimsy reign supreme.