Bazillus

One of the kid’s classmates seemed to be in need of a Boo Boo doll, so last December Bazillus moved in with him. From that moment on, he became a constant companion—going to school every day with his new owner, tucked into a backpack, sitting through lessons, and quietly munching away on any worries that came his way.

By now, he’s with a second grader turned third grader, and it’s safe to say Bazillus has seen a lot. Between bedtime cuddles, long days in a school bag, and all the adventures (and germs) of public places, he’s definitely lived a full and rather demanding life—his name really suits him these days. Maybe it’s time I took a new photo, because he’s clearly been through a lot and doesn’t quite look as fresh as he once did.

This is what Bazillus looked like when he was younger:

Bazillus

One of J’s class mates seemed to be in need of a boo boo doll so last december Bazillus moved in with him. Ever since he has been going to school with the 2nd (now 3rd) grader, munching worries and attending classes. Maybe I should take another picture – Bazillus obviously has had a tough life between bed, school bag, and public facilities … This is what he looked like when he was young:

The Boo Boo

The whole monster story started back in 2010. The kid spotted one in a shop window and immediately wanted it – really wanted it. It was sewn, with a zipper for a mouth, and next to it was a little note explaining that this creature’s job was to gobble up children’s worries and sorrows. What surprised me most was how strongly he reacted. He’d never been interested in stuffed animals before – not even as a baby. Suddenly he would not let go of the idea of this “boo boo doll.”

So I improvised.

Since I don’t sew, I bought some cheap cotton yarn in whatever colors I could find (not exactly pretty ones, but it didn’t matter) and started to crochet. Long story short – the kid couldn’t have cared less about the colors. Before I had woven in the last thread, Boo Boo was claimed, carried upstairs, and instantly became part of the family. To this day, he won’t go to bed without him. Boo Boo is held close all night, comes along for sleepovers, and even joins us downstairs for breakfast.

And he really did take his job seriously. Whenever there was a worry, the kid would write it down and feed the little note into the toy’s mouth. Sometimes it took a while – especially with bigger worries, like when my dad was in the hospital – but somehow, Boo Boo always managed in the end. Every worry, sooner or later, found a way to a happy ending.

If you’re curious about the original version we saw in that shop window back then, try searching for “Sorgenfresser.”boo boo häkelmonster