Author
Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess
1874-1965
Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess (1874-1965) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess
Old Granny Fox
"Old Granny Fox" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the clever and resourceful Granny Fox and her young companion Reddy Fox as they navigate the harsh winter conditions in search of food while avoiding dangers posed by Farmer Brown’s boy and his dog, Bowser. The narrative emphasizes themes of cunning, survival, and the importance of wisdom that comes with age. At the start of the book, we see Granny and Reddy Fox struggling to find enough food in a snow-covered environment. They attempt to hunt for hens at Farmer Brown's henhouse but realize the challenges involved. Reddy is eager to prove his capabilities but is often reminded of his inexperience by Granny. As they discuss alternative hunting strategies, they carefully weigh the risks of daylight hunting against their growing hunger. The opening sets a tone of playful conflict between the wise Granny and the headstrong Reddy, illustrating the dynamics of their relationship and foreshadowing the adventures to come as they seek to outsmart their adversaries and secure a meal.
The Burgess Animal Book for Children
"The Burgess Animal Book for Children" by Thornton W. Burgess is a collection of educational stories written in the early 20th century. The book aims to introduce young readers to the diverse mammals of North America through the adventures of Peter Rabbit and other animal characters as they learn about their world and the importance of wildlife conservation. The opening of the book introduces readers to the character Peter Rabbit, who is startled by Reddy Fox but finds refuge in a hole. After sharing his close call with Jenny Wren, Peter learns that he may have more animal relatives than he initially thought—particularly a water-loving cousin, the Marsh Rabbit. This conversation prompts Peter's curiosity, leading him to seek knowledge from Old Mother Nature, who agrees to teach him about the various members of his family and their relationships with the natural world. Through their interactions, young readers are encouraged to appreciate the complexities of wildlife and their roles within the ecosystem.
The Adventures of Reddy Fox
"The Adventures of Reddy Fox" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's book written in the early 20th century. This engaging tale follows the mischievous antics of Reddy Fox, exploring themes of cleverness, bravery, and the consequences of overconfidence. The story encapsulates a series of adventures that Reddy embarks on under the guidance of his wise Granny Fox as he learns vital survival skills in the wild. Throughout the narrative, Reddy Fox is portrayed as both clever and careless, as he encounters various challenges, including thrilling escapes from danger and lessons about humility. Reddy initially boasts about his cunning, believing he can outsmart everyone, including the menacing Bowser the Hound and Farmer Brown's boy. However, his bravado leads him into trouble when he ultimately gets shot while trying to show off. Granny Fox's wisdom and protective instincts shine as she attempts to keep Reddy safe after the incident. The story serves as an entertaining and educational fable, ultimately illustrating the importance of wisdom, caution, and the value of listening to those with more experience.
The Burgess Bird Book for Children
"The Burgess Bird Book for Children" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's illustrated book written in the early 20th century. The primary aim of this work is to introduce young readers to the world of birds and nature through engaging storytelling and lively illustrations. The narrative focuses on familiar characters from the animal kingdom, such as Peter Rabbit and Jenny Wren, who interact with various bird species, highlighting their characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. The opening of the book sets the stage with Peter Rabbit excitedly greeting the arrival of Jenny Wren in the Old Orchard. Through their lively conversation, readers get a glimpse into the birds’ migratory patterns and their reasons for leaving and returning home. Jenny explains the necessity of migration due to food availability and passionately recounts her fondness for the Old Orchard. The dialogue is punctuated with humor and charm, showcasing the dynamic personalities of both birds and rabbits, while also teasing the readers with the tensions that arise from neighborhood squabbles, particularly involving the bully character, Bully the English Sparrow. This lively introduction engages children’s curiosity about wildlife, while imparting a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.
Old Mother West Wind
"Old Mother West Wind" by Thornton W. Burgess is a delightful children's book written in the early 20th century. The book is a collection of whimsical stories that introduce young readers to the adventures of various animal characters living in the meadows and woods. Through these tales, readers are engaged with themes of friendship, mischief, and life lessons in a charming and playful manner. The narrative revolves around Old Mother West Wind, who, accompanied by her cheerful children, the Merry Little Breezes, brings joy and playful antics to the animal inhabitants of the Green Meadows and the Smiling Pool. Each story highlights different characters, like Johnny Chuck, Reddy Fox, and Sammy Jay, as they experience a range of adventures that include humorous mishaps, valuable life lessons, and interactions with nature. From the clever schemes of the breezes to the antics of various wildlife, the tales emphasize friendship and the importance of community while incorporating light moral teachings relevant to young readers. Overall, this collection captures the essence of nature and childhood wonderment through imaginative storytelling.
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail
"The Adventures of Peter Cottontail" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's book published in 1914. Peter Rabbit, dissatisfied with his ordinary name, decides to reinvent himself as Peter Cottontail, hoping the fancier name will make him seem more important. He begins putting on airs to match his new identity, but his friends' teasing soon makes him reconsider. Through twenty-six chapters of woodland adventures, Peter learns a valuable lesson about the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing who you really are.
Lightfoot the Deer
"Lightfoot the Deer" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows Lightfoot, a gentle deer, as he navigates the dangers of the Green Forest, particularly the hunting season where he must avoid hunters and their guns. The narrative emphasizes themes of friendship, survival, and the cruelty of nature, illustrating the struggles of wildlife as they face threats from humans. The opening of "Lightfoot the Deer" introduces Peter Rabbit, who is reflecting on the impending dangers that confront migratory birds like Mr. and Mrs. Quack as they make their journey south for the winter. He is soon joined by Lightfoot, the deer, with whom he discusses the unfairness of being hunted. Their conversation reveals Lightfoot’s gentle nature and allows readers to understand the larger dangers present in the forest, especially those posed by hunters. As the story unfolds, readers are given insight into animal friendships and the precarious existence they lead, setting the stage for Lightfoot's adventures and interactions with other characters such as Sammy Jay and Paddy the Beaver. The narrative synergizes elements of animal behavior with moral lessons, making it both engaging and educational for a young audience.
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse
"Whitefoot the Wood Mouse" by Thornton W. Burgess is a fictional children's book likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Whitefoot, a cheerful and wise little wood mouse, who spends a happy winter in Farmer Brown's sugar-house, eluding numerous natural enemies. The narrative highlights themes of happiness, friendship, and the struggles of a small creature navigating a world filled with dangers. The opening portion of the book introduces Whitefoot as a contented character who embraces the present and finds solace in his cozy winter nesting place. Despite his numerous enemies, including bears and owls, Whitefoot manages to remain optimistic and eventually builds a friendship with Farmer Brown's boy, who provides him with food. However, as the winter progresses, Whitefoot's home becomes threatened when the boy begins to use the wood pile for a fire, leaving Whitefoot anxious about his safety. Throughout these early chapters, readers are invited into Whitefoot's quaint life, where joy and worry coexist, setting the stage for his evolving journey and relationships within the forest.
The Adventures of Johnny Chuck
"The Adventures of Johnny Chuck" by Thornton W. Burgess is a delightful children's book written in the early 20th century. It is a part of the Bedtime Story Books series and portrays the charming adventures of a young groundhog named Johnny Chuck as he navigates life in the Green Meadows and the Green Forest. The book is likely centered on themes of discovery, friendship, and the rhythms of nature, showcasing the innocence and curiosity of childhood through animal characters. In this engaging tale, readers follow Johnny Chuck as he awakens to the joys of spring and gets involved in a variety of adventures, interacting with other woodland creatures such as Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, and Sammy Jay. After feeling dissatisfied with his home and seeking adventure, Johnny bravely faces challenges, including confrontations with other animals and a discovery of love with Polly Chuck. As Johnny learns about courage, responsibility, and family, he also takes on the role of a protector, especially as he becomes a father. The narrative is both whimsical and educational, imparting important life lessons in a fun and accessible manner, making it a delightful read for both children and parents alike.
The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack
"The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's storybook written during the early 20th century. This charming tale focuses on the adventures of Mrs. Quack, a duck who goes through several challenges and dangers as she seeks a safe place to live. The narrative emphasizes themes of friendship, bravery, and the trials of nature, particularly in the face of human threats. The story unfolds as Mrs. Quack, feeling threatened by hunters, finds herself in the Smiling Pool where she meets Peter Rabbit. Throughout the book, Mrs. Quack shares her backstory, revealing her fears and the challenges faced during her journey north with her mate, Mr. Quack. As the plot progresses, Mrs. Quack becomes heartbroken after Mr. Quack is shot, prompting her to search for him. With the help of Peter Rabbit and Sammy Jay, they devise a plan to locate Mr. Quack. Ultimately, Mrs. Quack's bravery and determination lead to a heartwarming reunion and a new home, illustrating the resilience of family bonds in the face of adversity.
The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat
"The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat" by Thornton W. Burgess is a charming children's book written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Jerry Muskrat and his friends as they face various adventures and dangers in their natural environment, particularly against threats posed by Farmer Brown's boy and his traps. The narrative blends elements of animal fables and environmental themes, portraying the interconnected lives of various woodland creatures. The book follows Jerry Muskrat, who initially disregards the warnings of his friends about traps set by Farmer Brown's boy. After an unfortunate encounter with one such trap, Jerry joins a convention of local animals convened to discuss the growing danger to their home. They turn to Grandfather Frog for advice, leading them to discover Paddy the Beaver, whose dam is causing changes in their habitat by blocking water flow. The story explores themes of community, problem-solving, and friendship as Jerry and his friends work together to restore their environment while also accepting Paddy's presence as a new neighbor. The tale captures the essence of nature and the importance of working together to protect it, making it a delightful read for young audiences.
Blacky the Crow
"Blacky the Crow" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's story written in the early 20th century. The tale follows the titular character, Blacky the Crow, as he navigates the challenges of survival and mischief in the Green Forest. The story introduces Blacky's curiosity and cunning as he discovers something unexpected—two white eggs in an old nest that once belonged to Redtail the Hawk, and his subsequent schemes to steal them, leading to encounters with various other forest animals. The opening of the story establishes Blacky’s character as a clever yet somewhat mischievous crow who often finds trouble through his curiosity. In the first chapter, Blacky’s quest for food leads him to an old nest, where he spots what he thinks may be eggs, despite it being an unusual time of year for nesting. Over the following chapters, the storyline unfolds as Blacky grapples with the desire to get the eggs while avoiding the dangers posed by Hooty the Owl, the true owner of the nest. Additionally, his plans for acquiring food lead him to confront the realities of both nature and the consequences of his actions, setting the stage for a lesson in friendship, understanding, and morality against the backdrop of the natural world.
Mrs. Peter Rabbit
"Mrs. Peter Rabbit" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's narrative written during the early 20th century. The story focuses on the beloved character Peter Rabbit as he grapples with feelings of loneliness and discontent. As Peter seeks adventure away from the safety of his home, the Old Briar-patch, he encounters various challenges, including a dangerous old rabbit named Jed Thumper, and he eventually discovers the joys and trials of love when he meets Miss Fuzzytail. At the start of the story, Peter Rabbit finds himself feeling unusually unhappy despite being surrounded by ample food in the Old Briar-patch. His attention shifts from hunger to the realization that he is lonely, prompting him to plan a journey into the wider world. His impulsive decision leads to several misadventures, including a close encounter with Hooty the Owl and struggles against Jed Thumper, who believes he owns the Old Pasture. As Peter navigates these obstacles, he grows more self-aware and learns valuable lessons about friendship and responsibility, ultimately finding a romantic connection with Miss Fuzzytail that hints at a promising future together.
Mother West Wind "When" Stories
"Mother West Wind 'When' Stories" by Thornton W. Burgess is a collection of children's stories written in the early 20th century. Set in a whimsical natural world, the tales are narrated by Old Mother West Wind and feature various animal characters, including Peter Rabbit, Mr. Bluebird, and Mr. Gopher. The stories explore themes of nature, friendship, and character development while offering moral lessons suitable for young readers. The opening of this collection introduces the reader to the character of Winsome Bluebird, celebrated for his beautiful coat and melodious song that heralds the arrival of spring. Peter Rabbit, full of curiosity and joy, eagerly seeks a story about how Mr. Bluebird came to earn his coat. Grandfather Frog tells Peter the tale of the humble beginnings of Mr. Bluebird, who bravely volunteered to carry the message of spring when none of the other birds dared to face the cold. As a reward for his courage and willingness to help, Mr. Bluebird is gifted a stunning blue coat that is passed down to his descendants, embedding a sense of heritage and virtue within the story.
The Adventures of Sammy Jay
"The Adventures of Sammy Jay" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's book written in the early 20th century. The book is a delightful collection of stories about Sammy Jay, a mischievous blue jay, and his interactions with other forest animals. Its lively narrative captures themes of trickery, friendship, and the challenges of living in the wild. In this charming tale, readers follow Sammy Jay, known for his sly behavior and love of stirring up trouble within the Green Forest. Throughout the narrative, Sammy attempts to steal food from his neighbors, particularly Chatterer the Red Squirrel, leading to various playful encounters and conflicts. He often finds himself at odds with other animals, each having their own personality and clever responses to Sammy's antics. As Sammy navigates through his adventures, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, the importance of friendship, and the consequences of his actions, making it an engaging read for children that blends humor with moral lessons.
The Boy Scouts of Woodcraft Camp
"The Boy Scouts of Woodcraft Camp" by Thornton W. Burgess is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Walter Upton, a young boy embarking on an adventurous journey to a woodcraft camp, where he aspires to master wilderness skills and grow in character through the teachings of the Boy Scout movement. As he navigates the challenges and experiences of camp life, Walter encounters new friends, engages in playful rivalries, and undertakes personal challenges that test his courage and resilience. The opening of the narrative establishes Walter's excitement and anticipation as he arrives at Upper Chain, where he transitions from the train to the woods. As he meets Big Jim, a seasoned guide, their interaction sets the tone for Walter’s unfolding adventure, demonstrating the importance of practical knowledge over theoretical learning. Within this introduction, we also see hints of conflict, as Walter intervenes in a bully confrontation, showcasing his innate sense of justice. This foreshadowing leads to his initiation into the camp, marking the beginning of his journey to develop both his physical abilities and moral character in a backdrop of camaraderie and exploration in the great outdoors.
The Adventures of Buster Bear
"The Adventures of Buster Bear" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's storybook written in the early 20th century. This charming tale captures the adventures of Buster Bear as he navigates various encounters in the Green Forest. The book aims to entertain young readers while subtly imparting lessons about friendship, growth, and the mistakes that come with being curious. The storyline follows Buster Bear, who wakes up to a sunny morning and decides to go fishing in the Laughing Brook. After inadvertently stealing a fish from Little Joe Otter, who is initially furious, the two characters become embroiled in a comedic series of confrontations, misunderstandings, and clever strategies as they try to outsmart each other. Buster's clumsy attempts at fishing and later his escapades with berries lead to a series of humorous encounters that showcase his personality. As Buster learns about the joy of friendship, and the consequences of his actions, readers are reminded of the value of humility and camaraderie in a delightful setting filled with animal characters.
Mother West Wind "Why" Stories
"Mother West Wind 'Why' Stories" by Thornton W. Burgess is a collection of children's stories written in the early 20th century. This whimsical book introduces young readers to a variety of animal characters who inhabit the world of Mother West Wind, telling tales of their adventures and explaining the wonders of nature. The stories often carry moral lessons, focusing on themes such as curiosity, kindness, friendship, and selflessness. The opening of the collection establishes a charming and playful tone, showcasing the lively interactions among animal characters like Striped Chipmunk, Grandfather Frog, and others. In the first story, the Merry Little Breezes urge Striped Chipmunk to play, but he insists he has work to do, demonstrating responsibility and the value of hard work. Grandfather Frog is then asked to explain why Striped Chipmunk has his distinctive stripes, leading to a tale of bravery, honor, and self-sacrifice, revealing that the stripes came as a reward for saving a friend from danger. This opening lays the groundwork for a series of delightful stories that combine humor, imagination, and valuable life lessons, enticing readers into a world where every animal has a tale worth telling.
The Adventures of Old Man Coyote
"The Adventures of Old Man Coyote" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's storybook written in the early 20th century. This illustrated book features an array of animal characters in a captivating narrative set in nature. The primary topic revolves around the adventures and challenges faced by Old Man Coyote as he interacts with other forest and meadow creatures in his new home, emphasizing themes of fear, cleverness, and the dynamics of predator and prey. The storyline follows Old Man Coyote, who moves into a new area, frightening the other animals with his strange voice and presence. As various characters, including Reddy Fox, Jimmy Skunk, and Prickly Porky the Porcupine, react to this new arrival, they each display their unique personalities, fears, and clever tactics to cope with the situation. The narrative unfolds with humorous encounters and lessons on bravery, cunning, and the importance of understanding one's fears. Ultimately, through clever interactions and mischief from characters like Granny Fox, the book illustrates how Old Man Coyote becomes accepted among his new neighbors, blending adventure with valuable life lessons for young readers.
Billy Mink
"Billy Mink" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's fiction book written in the early 20th century. This engaging story focuses on Billy Mink, a keen-eyed and clever character who navigates the challenges of life in the Green Forest and along the Laughing Brook. The narrative follows Billy's adventures as he discovers traps set by humans, encounters various animal friends, and ultimately finds himself confronting the threat posed by a gang of rats that have invaded a farmer's barn. The beginning of the book introduces Billy Mink as an inquisitive and spirited creature who is always on the lookout for potential danger. After noticing a suspicious stranger and discovering a trap set for him, Billy grows wary and begins to track the man’s movements. He quickly uncovers multiple traps meant to ensnare small animals like himself and his friends. Determined to protect them, he recounts his findings to Bobby Coon, and together they devise a plan to warn others in the Green Forest about the hidden dangers. This opening portion sets the stage for themes of curiosity, vigilance, and friendship, making it an appealing tale for young readers who appreciate adventures involving clever animal characters.
The Christmas Reindeer
"The Christmas Reindeer" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's fiction book written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around Tuktu, a little Eskimo girl, whose life is intertwined with the majestic reindeer and the magical Valley of the Good Spirit. The narrative captures the spirit of wonder and anticipation that surrounds Christmas, emphasizing themes of love, kindness, and the significance of family. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to Tuktu and her brother Aklak, who help their father, a reindeer herder, care for the deer. They are excited about their upcoming journey to the Valley of the Good Spirit, a place rumored to be filled with magic and wonder. As they settle in the valley, Tuktu dreams of the revered chosen deer, which are said to be selected by a good spirit and return as magnificent sled deer. Through her heartfelt connection with the animals and her adventures, Tuktu's story unfolds, intertwining her deep affection for the deer and her yearning to discover the mysteries of the spirit that dwells in the Valley of the Good Spirit.
Buster Bear's Twins
"Buster Bear's Twins" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's fiction story written in the early 20th century. The tale follows the adventures of two bear cubs, Boxer and Woof-Woof, as they explore the Green Forest, guided by their mother, Mrs. Bear. With engaging illustrations and a gentle moral tone, the book is likely to captivate young readers and teach them about nature, curiosity, and the dynamics of family and friendship. The opening of the story introduces Peter Rabbit, who is curious about a secret that Mrs. Bear is hiding under an old windfall. His curiosity leads him to discover the existence of the bear twins. The text highlights the playful and mischievous nature of Peter as he experiences a mix of fright and amusement upon seeing the newborn cubs come out for the first time. His antics serve as both a humorous and tender introduction to the twins, setting the stage for their adventures and lessons about life in the forest. As the story unfolds, readers are encouraged to observe the growth and development of the cubs under their mother's watchful guidance.
The Adventures of Bobby Coon
"The Adventures of Bobby Coon" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's book written in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1910s. This charming narrative follows the life of Bobby Coon, a raccoon, as he navigates the challenges of winter, dreams, and ultimately, his adventures in the Green Forest. The book encapsulates themes of survival, bravery, and the importance of home. In this story, Bobby Coon experiences a series of misadventures after his hollow chestnut tree home is cut down by Farmer Brown and his son. Initially, Bobby is terrified and believes he is in danger from the humans outside. After a brief escapade involving a dog and a chase by Buster Bear, Bobby finds himself lost and alone. However, after some ups and downs involving several encounters with other animal characters and a broken leg, he ultimately discovers a new home in a rock ledge that provides him safety and comfort. Throughout the tale, Burgess weaves moral lessons about friendship, the importance of understanding one another, and the journey to finding one's place in the world.
The Adventures of Bob White
"The Adventures of Bob White" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the life of Bob White, a cheerful and industrious quail, and explores themes of friendship, nature, and survival in the wild. Described through engaging narratives and delightful illustrations, the story unveils the joys and challenges faced by Bob and his family as they navigate their existence in the meadows and forests. The story begins with Bob White establishing a home and introduces his supportive family, including Mrs. Bob and their fifteen chicks. As the narrative unfolds, Bob encounters various animals, both friends like Peter Rabbit and foes like Reddy Fox and Redtail the Hawk. Bob’s resourcefulness shines as he cleverly outsmarts predators while protecting his family and assisting Farmer Brown with pest control in the garden. The book culminates in a poignant moment when one of Bob's chicks is shot by a hunter but is rescued by Farmer Brown's boy, leading to a developing bond between the boy and the Bob White family. Ultimately, the tale celebrates the interconnections between humans and wildlife, advocating for respect and kindness towards nature.