Set of Classics by Thornton W. Burgess | Book Spotlight

The Children’s Book Review | March 16, 2017

These classics have a whole new look! Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ tales.

Age Range: 4-8

The Adventures of Peter Cottontail

Written by Thornton W. Burgess

Publisher’s Synopsis: Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ Peter Cottontail in The Adventures of Peter Cottontail.

The Adventures of Peter Cottontail recounts the hijinks of one of the most endearing and beloved creatures in children’s literature. Full of mischief (and then remorse), Peter has exploits that are delightfully recognizable to anyone who has children and will surely tickle yet another generation of young readers.

Peter Cottontail’s efforts to outwit the ever-hungry Reddy Fox lead to a number of whisker-thin escapes, and his fascination with the hibernation of some of his neighbors, such as Johnny Chuck, leads to his decision to hibernate . . . with riotous consequences.

This reprint of the classic that was originally published in 1914 presents Burgess’ classic style of telling a terrific tale while imparting information about the environment and its creatures.

Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Seagrass Press | 2017 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-1633222922

Available Here: 

The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk

Written by Thornton W. Burgess

Publisher’s Synopsis: Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ Jimmy Skunk, the good-natured character who is usually left alone because of his potent “perfume.”

Like all of Thornton Burgess’ characters, Jimmy Skunk’s natural instincts are completely accurate, but his personality is easily relatable!

Jimmy Skunk thinks that the old barrel at the top of the hill will be a perfect place for a restful nap. But mischievous Peter Rabbit thinks up a way to upend this plan, very literally, and even arranges that Reddy Fox will get the blame – and a dose of Jimmy’s “perfume.” But Jimmy figures out the truth and makes sure that Peter gets his comeuppance with the help of a nest of yellow-jackets. Later, when Jimmy gets a hankering for some fresh eggs, he and Unc’ Billy Possum wind up in a pretty pickle in Farmer Brown’s henhouse.

Originally published in 1918, this book will inspire giggles and gasps from another generation as readers and listeners will learn about skunks, opossums, and life in the meadow through the eyes of Jimmy Skunk.

Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Seagrass Press | 2017 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-1633222939

Available Here: 

About the Author

Thornton Waldo Burgess, a devoted naturalist and conservationist, knew that instilling a love of the natural world in young people was one of the best ways to inspire conservation in adults. His writings spanned over fifty years, more than 170 books and 15,000 articles, and inspired several generations.

Many of Burgess’ observations of nature were featured in his stories, and his many characters, including Peter Rabbit, Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, Bobby Raccoon, Joe Otter, Grandfather Frog, and many others, displayed both animal and human traits that were very recognizable to readers.

The Boston Museum of Science awarded Burgess a special gold medal for “leading children down the path to the wide wonderful world of the outdoors.”

Burgess lived in Massachusetts. Learn more about Thornton Burgess at thorntonburgess.org.