Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton W. Burgess was a beloved American author and naturalist, best known for his enchanting children's stories featuring animal characters that taught valuable lessons about nature and conservation. Born on January 14, 1874, in Sandwich, Massachusetts, Burgess developed a deep love for the outdoors from a young age, which greatly influenced his writing. His charming tales, such as those of Peter Rabbit and Johnny Chuck, not only entertained young readers but also sparked a curiosity about the natural world, encouraging them to appreciate and protect the environment around them.

With a career spanning several decades, Burgess wrote over 170 books and countless short stories, becoming a cherished figure in children's literature. His gentle storytelling style and vivid descriptions of woodland creatures resonate with readers of all ages, inviting them to explore the wonders of nature. As you delve into his works in our app, you'll discover the delightful adventures of his animal friends, each one reflecting his passion for wildlife and the importance of living in harmony with the earth. Enjoy the journey through Burgess's timeless tales!

Mother West Wind 'Where' Stories

Read by Jude Somers 4.8
The continuing adventures of Peter Cottontail and his friends. - Summary by Jude Somers

The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad

Read by John Lieder 4.7
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 foll…

Mrs. Peter Rabbit

Read by C. L. W. Rollins 4.8
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 …

The Adventures of Unc' Billy Possum

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
Another short story for children by the well-known conversationalist and writer, Thornton W. Burgess. This story revolves around Unc' Billy …

Whitefoot the Wood Mouse

Read by Jill Engle 4.7
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 …

The Adventures of Mr. Mocker (Dramatic Reading)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
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 …

The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel (version 3)

Read by Jude Somers 4.7
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, Chatte…

The Burgess Bird Book for Children

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
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 Je…

The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
"Hello, Jerry Muskrat! We'd forgotten all about you," said Mrs. Quack. "What was that you said?" Jerry good-naturedly re…

Happy Jack (Version 2)

Read by Jude Somers 4.6
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 t…

The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat (Version 2)

Read by Jude Somers 4.9
Jerry Muskrat and his friends love their homes in the Smiling Pool and Laughing Brook. So when the Smiling Pool suddenly stops smiling, and …

Old Granny Fox

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
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…

Mother West Wind's Animal Friends

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
This is the 6th compilation of childrens bedtime stories by conservationist and newspaper columnist author Thornton Waldo Burgess. Burgess u…

The Adventures of Prickly Porky

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
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 …

Little Joe Otter (Version 2)

Read by Jude Somers 4.9
Little Joe Otter, Mrs. Otter, and the two Otter children go on a traveling adventure where the children learn about trappers, bobcats, and t…

The Adventures of Grandfather Frog

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
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, i…

Mother West Wind "How" Stories

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
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 Woodpec…

Happy Jack

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.7
The adventures and perils of Happy Jack the Squirrel in the Green Forest, co-starring Happy Jack's cousins Chatterer the Red Squirrel and St…

Billy Mink

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
“The stranger and the unknown must be always looked on with distrust.” --  Billy MinkThe Green Forest and the Smiling Pool are full of adven…

Mother West Wind "When" Stories

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.4
Thornton Burgess gives us a collection of stories about the animals, explaining 'when' they got their peculiar traits. As usual the stories…

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