Animals & Nature

When the story of ‘Tilda Jane appeared serially in The Youth’s Companion in 1901, the original manuscript was very much condensed. When the time for book publication arrived nearly all the omitted matter was restored. However, some incidents were still left out, and they have formed the beginning of a new story written to please the many boys and girls who have expressed a wish to know something more of the fortunes of the orphan and her dogs. That the orphan’s old friends will follow with interest, her often groping and stumbling, yet never-wearying steps along the path of uplift for human beings and dumb creatures, is the earnest hope of the author. (Marshall Saunders – from the Prefatory Note)

Another ‘dog’s-eye view’ book for children by this early activist for the American Humane Society. In this tale, we follow the travels and adventures of Boy, a loveable and loyal wire-haired fox-terrier in city and country. – Summary by Lynne Thompson

A wonderful children’s book filled with engaging stories about various farmyard animals. Each book ending with a moral which gently encourages children towards better behaviour and attitudes. – Summary by Claire Schreuder

“On that bright spring afternoon when three happy, interested children went off to the woods with their governess to take their first lesson in the study of wild flowers, they saw also some other things which made a fresh series of “Elmridge Talks,” and these things were found among the trees of the roadside and forest.” – Summary by Ella Rodman Church

Blackie is a coal black cat who lives with two children and their parents. One day she is led astray by a neighboring cat and decides to go for an adventure. Not knowing what to expect, she walks away from her cushion in the sun, plentiful food and lots of petting attention. All does not go as she expects an indeed her scary adventures cause her much anxiety not to mention an empty belly in the days ahead. Follow Blackie on her stroll through the streets and byways of a busy town. A cute story and I promise a happy ending. – Summary by phil chenevert

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

This fictional work is written in 1st person by the dog himself. It’s a cute story of the adventures in the life of a noble dog who is appropriately named, Job. The canine society in which he lives is an interesting parallel to human society. (Summary by Allyson Hester)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

Old Mr. Toad decides to join the Chorus at the Smiling pool – with unexpected results. He encounters Buster Bear as well as the famous Peter Rabbit among many other forest creatures who are just too numerous to list here. If you join in and read a chapter or two you will learn who they are. Don’t be shy! These chapters are short and fun to read. – Summary by phil c

“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)

David Cory is the author of more than 40 children’s books. This is the first in the series of Puss in Boots, Jr. The roots fo the legend of Puss in Boots seems to back to Italian folklore. These books are written for younger readers, about second grade and up, hence the “junior” designation. (Summary by Larry Wilson)

“Once upon a time, on a beautiful island that stood at the center of a great big lake, there lived in the heart of a kindly old oak tree a dear little squirrel family. There were three in all; father, mother and fluffytail and they were just the happiest family one could imagine.” So begins the tale of little Fluffytail (whose tail was very fluffy indeed!) and her many adventures. A fun little story. – Summary by Phil Chenevert