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1Goop Directory

By Frank Gelett Burgess

In this DIRECTORY you'll see just what you never ought to be; and so, it should direct your way to Good Behavior, every day. The children of whose faults I tell are known by other names, as well, so see that you aren't in this group of Naughty Ones. Don't be a Goop! <br>(The author's introduction)

LibriVox volunteers bring you nine different versions of this famous nonsense rhyme, the weekly poem of April 2nd, 2006. The April Fool's Day spirit was slow to leave us this spring, so as you listen, watch out for mischief!<br /> (Summary by Laura Fox)

3More Goops and How Not to Be Them

By Frank Gelett Burgess

Deep in the heart of every parent is the wish, the desire, to have other adults tell us, in an unsolicited way, just how very polite one’s child is! This perhaps was even more the case in 1903, when Gelett Burgess produced his second book on the Goops. With entertaining cartoons - caricatures of misbehaving children - he described many different breaches of tact and good manners.<br /><br />Burgess wrote several books of poetry on the Goops, each poem describing some significant way in which an unthoughtful or unkind child could offend polite society and often offering the hope that the listener would never behave that way. Ahem! Well, perhaps very few people have succeeded in not acting Goop-like at some point in their lives, but read along with Burgess as he attempts to define, in a humorous fashion, exactly what the differences between “Good” and “Goop” are!<br />(Summary by Mark F. Smith)

4Burgess Animal Book for Children

By Thornton W. Burgess

Peter Rabbit goes to school, with Mother Nature as his teacher. In this zoology book for children, Thornton W. Burgess describes the mammals of North America in the form of an entertaining story, including plenty of detail but omitting long scientific names. There is an emphasis on conservation. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

5Burgess Bird Book for Children

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Burgess Bird Book for Children is a zoology book written in the form of a story featuring Peter Rabbit. Peter learns from his friend Jenny Wren all about the birds of North America, and we meet many of them in the Old Orchard, the Green Meadow, and the Green Forest. (summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

6Adventures of Buster Bear

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Buster Bear is another set of children’s stories by the conservationist, Thornton W. Burgess. Buster Bear has many adventures and misadventures as he meets the different characters in the Green Forest near the Laughing Brook. Along the way, we learn about the habits of Buster and his friends and we learn little lessons about life such as the importance of sharing, not stealing, making friends and not sticking one's head into tin pails. (Summary by John Lieder)

7Adventures of Jimmy Skunk

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk is another in the long list children's books by the conservationist, Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, Jimmy Skunk has encounters with Reddy Fox, Peter Rabbit, Unc’ Billy Possum and other acquaintances of his in the Green Meadows and Green Forest. Along the way, we learn some of the habits of Jimmy and his friends and we learn little lessons about life such as the importance of always keeping one's temper, keeping promises and not playing practical jokes. We are also treated to a philosophical discussion by Jimmy Skunk on the advantages of defensive weaponry. (Summary by John Lieder.)

8Adventures of Paddy Beaver

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Paddy Beaver is another in the long list of children’s books by the conservationist, Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, the industrious and clever Paddy Beaver, a newcomer to the Green Forest, has encounters with Sammy Jay, Jerry Muskrat, Ol’ Man Coyote and other inhabitants of the Green Forest. Along the way, we learn how Paddy builds his dam and his house, and how he stores his food. We also learn little lessons about life, such as the importance of planning before doing, caring for Nature, trusting others, the benefits of working together and how wonderful it is to have a job one can sink one’s teeth into. (Summary by John Lieder.)

9Old Mother West Wind

By Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton Waldo Burgess (January 14, 1874 – June 5, 1965) was a conservationist and author of children's stories. He loved the beauty of nature and its living creatures so much that he wrote about them for 50 years. By the time he retired, he had written more than 170 books. Many of his outdoor observations in nature were used as plots for his stories. In his first book, "Old Mother West Wind," published in 1910, the reader meets many of the characters found in later books and stories. These characters include Peter Rabbit, Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, Bobby Raccoon, Joe Otter, Grandfather Frog, Billy Mink, Jerry Muskrat, Spotty the Turtle and of course, Old Mother West Wind and her Merry Little Breezes. Note to parents of very small children: in Chapter 15, little Tommy Trout gets eaten by a pickerel. (Summary by Wikipedia and Laurie Anne Walden.)

10Adventures of Reddy Fox

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Reddy Fox is another in the series of children’s stories by conservationist Thornton W. Burgess. In this story, Reddy and Granny Fox must outsmart Farmer Brown’s Boy who is out to get Reddy for stealing his pet chicken. Along the way, Reddy encounters many of the citizens of the Green Meadows and the Green Forest and with him we learn little lessons about life such as: the perils of being a show off; the importance of using all of one’s senses; that it is a fine thing to show sympathy and kindness to others – even our enemies; and that the value of a grandmother’s wisdom is inestimable.<br /><br />We also learn that after you’ve stolen a boy’s pet chicken and he is coming your way with a gun, a shovel and a hound dog, it may be time to beat a hasty retreat.<br />(Summary by John Lieder)<br /><br /><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2987">AaronW</a> is a guest reader in Section 6.

11Goop Directory (version 2)

By Frank Gelett Burgess

A funny collection of poems about bad children.

12Mother West Wind's Children

By Thornton W. Burgess

"You can't fool old Mother Nature. No, Sir, you can't fool old Mother Nature, and it's of no use to try." The animals of the Green Meadows and Green Forest have little adventures while Grandfather Frog tells stories to Mother West Wind's children, the Merry Little Breezes. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

13Mother West Wind 'Why' Stories

By Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton W. Burgess was a conservationist and prolific author of children's books. His gently humorous stories about the animals of the meadows and woods teach little lessons about getting along with others; they are perfect bedtime stories for small children. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

14Adventures of Johnny Chuck

By Thornton W. Burgess

<i>The Adventures of Johnny Chuck</i> is another in the long list of children's books by conservationist Thornton W. Burgess. In this story, it is spring time and a young chuck's fancy turns to thoughts of … traveling, protecting one's turf, finding a new home, and yes, love. Along the way, we learn little lessons about life such as there are good and bad kinds of pride, the importance of keeping secrets and that, even in the animal world, the three most important factors in determining the desirability of property are “location, location, location.” (Summary by John Lieder)

Who was Belle Charmion? If you really care to know, as John Fenton did, you must go with him on his quest, hither and yon over New York, into strange houses and through side streets at midnight, a shuttle in the secret loom of fate, weaving in and out through many-colored threads, until the pattern of the mystery is made clear. For the warp of his strange, adventurous career - love and beauty and diamonds. For the woof - some few cross currents of crime and misery. There, in brief, is the web of his drama. (From Prologue)

16Adventures of Mr. Mocker (Dramatic Reading)

By Thornton W. Burgess

When an innocent blue jay starts talking in his sleep, it's up to him to find out what's going on in this fun, naturalistic, Southern-style children's story. (Summary by Miriam Esther Goldman)<br><br> <b>Cast:</b><br> Narration: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Mr. Mocker: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5940">Gargoyle</a><br> Unc’ Billy Possum: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3664">Barry Eads</a><br> Old Mrs. Possum: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5982">Donna Lauten</a><br> Jimmy Skunk: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5717">Phil Chenevert</a><br> Sammy Jay: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Peter Rabbit: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4572">om123</a><br> Jerry Muskrat: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Hooty the Owl: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1066">Laurie Anne Walden</a><br> Jenny Wren: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5932">Elisabeth Harvey</a><br> Blacky the Crow: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6032">Beverly Scott</a><br> Reddy Fox: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4015">JimOCR</a><br> Boomer the Nighthawk: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Bobby Coon: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Sticky-Toes the Tree Toad: <a href="http://www.dollyforsue.com">Cheri Gardner</a><br> Mistah Buzzard: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6032">Beverly Scott</a><br> Grandfather Frog: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4015">JimOCR</a><br> Teensy Fly: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6130">ChyAnne Donnell</a><br><br> <b>Audio edited by:</b> Phil Chenevert and Linette Geisel

17Mrs. Peter Rabbit

By Thornton W. Burgess

A wonderful book in which we meet the lucky little bunny who becomes Mrs. Peter Rabbit! This is one of many delightful animal books written by Thornton W. Burgess. I grew up reading and enjoying these tales of talking animals with fun and varied personalities. Peter Rabbit is a character loved by all, and this charming tale recounts the adventures of meeting, wooing, and marrying Mrs. Peter Rabbit. (Introduction by CLW Rollins)

18Adventures of Jerry Muskrat (Dramatic Reading)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Join us as we follow Jerry Muskrat and his friends on an adventure to discover what is threatening their homeland, Laughing Brook and Smiling Pool. (Summary by Linette Geisel) <br><br><strong>Cast:</strong><br>Narration: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6035">Marty Kris</a><br>Jerry Muskrat: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=5717">Phil Chenevert</a><br>Peter Rabbit: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=3615">Lucy Perry</a><br>Billy Mink: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6130">ChyAnne Donnell</a><br>Mother Muskrat: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=5796">Linette Geisel</a><br>Bobby Coon: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=4744">Amy Gramour</a><br>Mr. Coon: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6320">Glenn Previtera</a><br>Grandfather Frog: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6754">ToddHW</a><br>Little Joe Otter: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6911">Nicky Rivera</a><br>Farmer Brown's boy: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6130">ChyAnne Donnell</a><br>Mr. Redwing: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=7040">Chris Marcellus</a><br>Spotty the Turtle: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=3664">Barry Eads</a><br>Ol' Mistah Buzzard: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6032">Beverly Scott</a><br>Paddy the Beaver: <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=4738">Leonard Wilson</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by:</strong> <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=5796">Linette Geisel</a><br><br />This project was proof listened by Linette Geisel and Marty Kris.

19Adventures of Reddy Fox (version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

This timeless story tells of an overconfident little fox who steals a plump pet hen and is hotly pursued by Farmer Brown's boy and Bowser the Hound. Children will delight in Reddy's risky antics and the commotion his behavior causes among the other woodland creatures. Grandma Fox tries her best to teach him and Reddy tries very hard to be good but his curiosity is always finding ways to get him into even more trouble. <br /><br />Thornton Burgess was a conservationist who loved the beauty of nature and its living creatures so much that he wrote about them for 50 years in books and his newspaper column, Bedtime Stories. (Summary by Wikipedia and Phil Chenevert)

20Adventures of Danny Meadow Mouse (Dramatic Reading)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Danny begins his tale regretting the length of his tail until he is corrected by Mr. Toad. Then he has a series of stalkings by Reddy and Granny Fox. He is captured by Hooty the Owl and escapes mid-flight to Peter Rabbit's briar patch. Peter goes to Farmer Brown's peach orchard and gets caught in a snare and barely escapes himself. Finally Danny gets trapped in a tin can and must use his wits to escape Reddy Fox again. (Summary from Wikipedia)<br><br><b><strong>Cast:</strong></b><br> <br> Narrator..............................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=5796">Linette Geisel</a><br> Danny Meadow Mouse.......<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6035">Marty Kris</a><br> Striped Chipmunk...............<a href="http://elizabethklettaudio.com/">Elizabeth Klett</a><br> Johnny Chuck.....................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=3664">Barry Eads</a><br> Old Mr. Toad.......................<a href="http://globalutists.blogspot.com/">Scott A. Jackson</a><br> Reddy Fox..........................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=7040">Chris Marcellus</a><br> Granny Fox.........................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=4145">Patti Cunningham</a><br> Hooty the Owl......................<a href="http://elizabethklettaudio.com/">Elizabeth Klett</a><br> Tommy Tit the Chickadee....<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=4744">Amy Gramour</a><br> Peter Rabbit........................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6754">ToddHW</a><br> Farmer Brown.....................<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=3664">Barry Eads</a><br> Farmer Brown's Boy............<a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=6130">ChyAnne Donnell</a><br> <br> <strong>Audio Edited By:</strong> <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=5796">Linette Geisel</a><br><br>This project was proof listened by Linette Geisel and ToddHW.

21Bowser the Hound

By Thornton W. Burgess

Old Man Coyote craftily leads Bowser the hound away from home, and Bowser gets lost. Will Bowser find his way back to Farmer Brown's? Will Reddy Fox finally catch himself a chicken, now that Bowser is no longer guarding the henhouse? This is one of many delightful books by the naturalist Thornton W. Burgess, who wrote children's stories featuring the animals of the Green Forest and the Green Meadows. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

22Adventures of Grandfather Frog

By Thornton W. Burgess

Longlegs the Blue Heron felt decidedly out of sorts. It was a beautiful morning, too beautiful for any one to be feeling that way. Indeed, it was the same beautiful morning in which Grandfather Frog had caught so many foolish green flies. Jolly, round, bright Mr. Sun was smiling his broadest. The Merry Little Breezes of Old Mother West Wind were dancing happily here and there over the Green Meadows, looking for some good turn to do for others. The little feathered people to whom Old Mother Nature has given the great blessing of music in their throats were pouring out their sweetest songs. So it seemed as if there was no good reason why Longlegs should feel out of sorts. The fact is the trouble with Longlegs was an empty stomach. Yes, Sir, that is what ailed Longlegs the Blue Heron that sunshiny morning. You know it is hard work to be hungry and happy at the same time. (Summary by Thornton W. Burgess in Chapter 2)

23Adventures of Lightfoot the Deer

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Lightfoot the Deer is another set of children’s stories by the conservationist, Thornton W. Burgess. More serious than some of Burgess' other children's books, much of this book chronicles the tense predator-prey relationship of a human hunter and Lightfoot the Deer during the autumn hunting season. Later, Lightfoot discovers a hunt of a different kind. (Summary by Jill Engle)

24Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel

By Thornton W. Burgess

Chatterer the Red Squirrel finds himself in trouble again and is forced to abandon his old home. As the search for a new home begins, Chatterer's curiosity gets the better of him and a moment of carelessness causes him to stumble into a far different home than he ever imagined. This book is Thornton W. Burgess at his best as he captures the personalities and behaviors of the animals in the Green Forest delightfully well and tells a story of mischievousness and unexpected friendship. (Summary by Jill Engle)

25Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack

By Thornton W. Burgess

"Hello, Jerry Muskrat! We'd forgotten all about you," said Mrs. Quack. "What was that you said?" Jerry good-naturedly repeated what he had said. Mrs. Quack's face brightened. "Do you really mean it?" she asked eagerly. "Do you really mean that you know of a pond where we could live and not be likely to be seen by these two-legged creatures called men?" "That's what I said," replied Jerry briefly. "Oh, Jerry, you're not joking, are you? Tell me you're not joking," begged Mrs. Quack. "Of course I'm not joking," returned Jerry just a little bit indignantly, "I am not the kind of a fellow to joke people who are in such trouble as you and Mr. Quack seem to be in." (Summary by Burgess)

26Whitefoot the Wood Mouse

By Thornton W. Burgess

This is the story of Whitefoot the wood mouse, the most timid and shy creature in all the Green Forest. You see, Whitefoot has many enemies who would love nothing more than to make him their dinner. Despite the many perils Whitefoot often faces, he "is one of those wise little people who never allow unpleasant things of the past to spoil their present happiness, and who never borrow trouble from the future." Read about Whitefoot's adventures as he searches for safe places to live, tries to avoid the keen eyes and noses of his enemies, and makes new friends along the way. (Summary by Jill Engle & Thornton W. Burgess)

27Adventures of Prickly Porky

By Thornton W. Burgess

A stranger from the North Woods has just arrived in the Green Forest causing a great stir among the woodland creatures who live there. They quickly discover that this odd fellow with the barbed spikes in his fur is the loyal and brave Prickly Porky the Porcupine. Not long after Prickly Porky arrives, a bit of early morning fun leads to a forest mystery that draws friends and foes alike into the investigation of an unknown headless, tailless, whirling creature seen only at sunrise on the hill by Prickly Porky's home. The Adventures of Prickly Porky includes popular characters from children's author Thornton W. Burgess' other "Bedtime Story-Books" including Unc' Billy Possum, Peter & Mrs. Peter Rabbit, Buster Bear, Granny & Reddy Fox, Sammy Jay and many more. (Summary by Jill Engle)

28Blacky the Crow

By Thornton W. Burgess

Blacky the Crow is a clever rascal who lives in the Green Forest and Meadow. He loves to play tricks on the other little people who are his neighbours, and is curious about Farmer Brown’s Boy. Blacky is always thinking about what is right and what is wrong, but he still gets into all kinds of mischief. - Summary by Jude Somers

29Happy Jack

By Thornton W. Burgess

The adventures and perils of Happy Jack the Squirrel in the Green Forest, co-starring Happy Jack's cousins Chatterer the Red Squirrel and Striped Chipmunk, friends Sammy Jay, Tommy Tit, Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, and Shadow the Weasel as Happy Jack's enemy. - Summary by Jill Engle

30Mother West Wind "How" Stories

By Thornton W. Burgess

Peter Rabbit has many questions. How did Howler the Wolf get his name? How did Lightfoot the Deer learn to jump? How did Drummer the Woodpecker come by his red cap? When Peter asks Grandfather Frog, Grandfather Frog tells him a story of long ago. This book is a collection of those stories told by Grandfather Frog and many others. - Summary by EstherbenSimonides

31Old Granny Fox

By Thornton W. Burgess

Old Granny Fox and grandson Reddy Fox must use all their cunning to hunt up enough food to survive the long winter. Food in the Green Meadow is scarce but Farmer Brown's hens are locked up tight and protected by Bowser the Hound, so Granny takes a conceited Reddy hunting and teaches him some surprising new tricks to lure in their dinner. Old Granny and Reddy Fox encounter danger and adventure in their quests to keep their bellies full, including a close encounter with Farmer Brown's boy, a clever plot to steal Bowser's food, and an unforeseen thief who might outsmart this sneaky pair. - Summary by Jill Engle

32Mother West Wind "When" Stories

By Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton Burgess gives us a collection of stories about the animals, explaining 'when' they got their peculiar traits. As usual the stories are short and delightfully written so as to be enjoyed by child or adult. Have you ever wondered when Mr. Bluebird got his beautiful coat? or when Bob-White won his name? or Old Mr. Bat got his wings:? well these stories explain how they all happened along with many,many more. - Summary by Phil chenevert

33Adventures of Old Mr. Toad

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad is another in the long line of children's books by conservationist Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, we follow the adventures of Old Mr. Toad as he joins the Spring Chorus at the Smiling Pool, shows off his babies, displays his special tongue to Peter Rabbit and has a very special encounter with Buster Bear. We also learn little lessons about life such as pride can burst like a great big bubble, your friends' hidden talents may surprise you and it is considered impolite to watch someone change his clothes - especially when he eats them. (Summary by John Lieder)

34Adventures of Peter Cottontail

By Thornton W. Burgess

This is the story of Peter Rabbit, a mischievous, but cautious, lagomorph who lives in the Green Meadows. Peter Rabbit begins his adventures with a quest for a new name, since his name is far too common for his taste. Having a new name is not quite what he thought it would be, however, and soon he is on to new exploits like outsmarting Reddy Fox and discovering where all his friends spend the winter. This tale co-stars Reddy Fox, Jerry Muskrat, Unc' Billy Possum, Jimmy Skunk, Ol' Mistah Buzzard, Bowser the Hound, and many more of Thornton W. Burgess' delightful characters. Summary by Jill Engle

35Adventures of Old Man Coyote

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Old Man Coyote is another in the long list of children's books by conservationist Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, the residents of The Green Pasture and The Green Forest are concerned about a strange newcomer, Old Man Coyote. Old Many Coyote matches wits with Old Granny Fox and has encounters with Reddy Fox and Peter Rabbit, and a particularly sharp confrontation with Prickly Porky. - Summary by John Lieder

36Mrs. Peter Rabbit (version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

This charming story chronicles the life of Peter rabbit and the many other woodland creatures that live in and around the brier batch. Peter finds himself not wanting to eat and finding everyday activities of life a bore. As a result of this, he sets off exploring new parts of the forest only to run into his future bride.

37Adventures of Bob White

By Thornton W. Burgess

The Adventures of Bob White is another in the long line of children's books by conservationist Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, Bob White and Mrs. Bob White make a new home near the Old Briar Patch where they become neighbors with Peter Rabbit. We learn what Bob White likes to eat, how he protects his nest from being discovered, and who his friends and his enemies are. We also learn that sometimes it's not good to know everything, that arithmetic can be a useful tool, and that a Bob White needs to stay far away from the two-legged creatures who carry fire-sticks. - Summary by John Lieder

38Adventures of Unc' Billy Possum

By Thornton W. Burgess

Another short story for children by the well-known conversationalist and writer, Thornton W. Burgess. This story revolves around Unc' Billy Possum and his adventures.

39Adventures of Sammy Jay

By Thornton W. Burgess

There's nothing that sly troublemaker Sammy Jay likes better than stealing corn - unless it's playing tricks on the other animals in the forest. Yet Chatterer the Red Squirrel would like to keep his corn, thank you very much, and while he's at it prove he is just as smart as Sammy Jay! Thornton Burgess takes us once again into the charming world of the Green Forest and Green Meadows in this delightful story. (Summary by Rachel)

40Mother West Wind 'Where' Stories

By Thornton W. Burgess

The continuing adventures of Peter Cottontail and his friends. - Summary by Jude Somers

41Adventures of Bobby Coon

By Thornton W. Burgess

"In this engaging story, Bobby Raccoon suffers a series of mishaps. Following a bad dream, he bites his own tail, is given a dreadful fright, learns that Farmer Brown's Boy is a kind friend, survives an encounter with Buster Bear, gets a terrible shaking and more, but, happily, is rescued by Peter Rabbit and eventually finds a new home." (Jude Somers)

42Mother West Wind's Animal Friends

By Thornton W. Burgess

This is the 6th compilation of childrens bedtime stories by conservationist and newspaper columnist author Thornton Waldo Burgess. Burgess used his outdoor observations as plots for his stories. The stories involve his earlier developed characters such as Peter Rabbit, Sammy Jay and Grandfather Frog. - Summary by afutterer.

43Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel (Dramatic Reading)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Author and editor of numerous children's books, Thornton W. Burgess was also a noted conservationist. In writing for youngsters he combined a gift for storytelling with his love of the outdoors, creating an entertaining menagerie of animals whose adventures he skillfully recounted in a series of charming fables. In them, he taught young readers about nature and encouraged them to love the "lesser folk in fur and feathers."<br /><br /> In this delightfully told tale, Burgess chronicles the escapades of Chatterer the Red Squirrel, who's known throughout the Green Forest as a mischief maker. Narrowly escaping the clutches of Shadow the Weasel and Redtail the Hawk, the bushy-tailed little fellow decides to leave the forest for a new home, only to learn that curiosity, carelessness, and mistrust can lead to a heap of troubles.<br /><br /> First published in 1915, this engaging story will charm readers of all ages — as well as young listeners.<br /><br /> Recorded by students of Houghton College in Houghton, NY<br><br> Characters:<br> Mercedes Miller: Narrator<br> Joe Miner: Chatterer<br> Hannah Messerschmidt: Reddy, Pussy, Boy, Voices<br> Kaitlyn McKinney: Sammy, Mom, Porky, Tommy<br> Robert Kuchar: Peter, Farmer, Shadow

<i>Being the Advice given by the Patriarch in his Nine Hundred Sixty and Ninth Year to his Great Grandson at Shem's Coming of Age, in Regard to Women.</i><br><br>The following is, so far as I know, the only authentic rendering into the English language of the three hundred and thirty parables attributed to Methuselah. . . . Of its origin, the book, although freely rendered into the idiom of the hour, still bears intrinsic evidence of having been compiled by one who had had extraordinary experience with women. The amorous expert will not find it hard to believe that 969 years would be none too short a time for any one man to have accumulated such a profound lore. Indeed, women tell us that the present span of life is entirely too brief for any ordinary man to obtain the slightest comprehension of the extreme complexity of feminine psychology. (Summary from the introduction)

45Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel (version 3)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Chatterer the Red Squirrel finds himself in trouble again and is forced to abandon his old home. As the search for a new home begins, Chatterer's curiosity gets the better of him and a moment of carelessness causes him to stumble into a far different home than he ever imagined. This book is Thornton W. Burgess at his best as he captures the personalities and behaviors of the animals in the Green Forest delightfully well and tells a story of mischievousness and unexpected friendship. - Summary by Jill Engle

46Adventures of Peter Cottontail (version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

This is the story of Peter Rabbit, a mischievous, but cautious, lagomorph who lives in the Green Meadows. Peter Rabbit begins his adventures with a quest for a new name, since his name is far too common for his taste. Having a new name is not quite what he thought it would be, however, and soon he is on to new exploits like outsmarting Reddy Fox and discovering where all his friends spend the winter. This tale co-stars Reddy Fox, Jerry Muskrat, Unc' Billy Possum, Jimmy Skunk, Ol' Mistah Buzzard, Bowser the Hound, and many more of Thornton W. Burgess' delightful characters. - Summary by Jill Engle

47Happy Jack (Version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Who would have thought dropping a nut would cause so much trouble? No sooner does Happy Jack the Gray Squirrel go scampering down the tree than he finds himself in trouble with Chatterer, the Red Squirrel -- and then running for dear life -- away from Shadow the Weasel! Thornton Burgess's entertaining tales of wild nature have entertained children and adults alike for nearly a century. - Summary by Jude Somers

48War the Creator

By Frank Gelett Burgess

Gelett Burgess, an American writer, penned this gripping account of the profound change that war caused in a young Frenchman he knew. “Because he was my friend, because he was so lovable, because he suffered much, I want to try to tell the story of a boy who, in two months, became a man. I happened to see him first just before the war began, and not again until after he had been wounded; and the change in him was then so great that I could not rest until I had learned how it had been brought about.” – From War the Creator (Lee Smalley)

49Adventures of Lightfoot the Deer (Version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Lightfoot and his friends, Sammy Jay and Paddy Beaver, help each other through hunting season in the Green Forest. - Summary by Jude Somers

50Old Granny Fox (Version 2)

By Thornton W. Burgess

Old Granny Fox and grandson Reddy Fox must use all their cunning to hunt up enough food to survive the long winter. Food in the Green Meadow is scarce but Farmer Brown's hens are locked up tight and protected by Bowser the Hound, so Granny takes a conceited Reddy hunting and teaches him some surprising new tricks to lure in their dinner. Old Granny and Reddy Fox encounter danger and adventure in their quests to keep their bellies full, including a close encounter with Farmer Brown's boy, a clever plot to steal Bowser's food, and an unforeseen thief who might outsmart this sneaky pair. Note: The chapter numbering unfortunately misses #15. The whole book, however, is here for your listening pleasure. Summary by Jill Engle