In 'The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat' by Thornton W. Burgess, readers are taken on a delightful journey through the Green Forest where Jerry Muskrat and his friends face various challenges and escapades. The book is written in a charming and whimsical style, perfect for children and young readers, blending elements of fantasy and adventure seamlessly. Through Burgess' vivid descriptions of nature and the interactions between the animal characters, readers are not only entertained but also learn valuable lessons about friendship and cooperation. Set in a time when nature and animals were revered, this book provides a glimpse into a simpler way of life, making it a timeless classic in children's literature. Thornton W. Burgess' storytelling ability shines through in this engaging tale, capturing the hearts of readers of all ages. His deep appreciation for the natural world and love for animals are evident in the way he brings his characters to life, making them relatable and endearing. As a prominent conservationist and author, Burgess uses his platform to advocate for environmental awareness and appreciation for the world around us. 'The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat' is a must-read for anyone looking for a charming story filled with heartwarming adventures and valuable life lessons.
Charming fable about the animals in the Green Forest and what happens when water stops flowing in the Laughing Brook and the Smiling Pool. Large, easy-to-read type. 6 new illustrations.
The Adventures of Jerry Muskrat: Illustrated by Thornton W. Burgess. Tells the story of Jerry, a young muskrat, and his adventures in escaping the Farmer and his son, and saving the Laughing Brook and his home at the Smiling Pool from drying up. The story also features Grandfather Frog, Joe Otter, Billy Mink, and Paddy the Beaver. Children will love hearing, and reading, about Jerry Muskrat and his adventures in the Green Meadow and Green Forest where he falls victim to a trap set by Farmer Brown's Boy, and what happens when he sees that the Laughing Brook is no longer laughing and attempts to save it all.
This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.
When Farmer Brown's boy starts setting traps for the woodland critters of Laughing Brook and Smiling Pool, Grandfather Frog has a scheme to save the animals. But then the brook and the pool start to dry up, threatening the lives of all those under Grandfather Frog's care. Can Jerry Muskrat, Joe Otter, and their young friends solve the mystery and save the woods?
CHAPTER I: Jerry Muskrat Has A Fright What was it Mother Muskrat had said about Farmer Brown's boy and his traps? Jerry Muskrat sat on the edge of the Big Rock and kicked his heels while he tried to remember. The fact is, Jerry had not half heeded. He had been thinking of other things. Besides, it seemed to him that Mother Muskrat was altogether foolish about a great many things. "Pooh!" said Jerry, throwing out his chest, "I guess I can take care of myself without being tied to my mother's apron strings! What if Farmer Brown's boy is setting traps around the Smiling Pool? I guess he can't fool your Uncle Jerry. He isn't so smart as he thinks he is; I can fool him any day." Jerry chuckled. He was thinking of how he had once fooled Farmer Brown's boy into thinking a big trout was on his hook. Slowly Jerry slid into the Smiling Pool and swam over towards his favorite log. Peter Rabbit stuck his head over the edge of the bank. "Hi, Jerry," he shouted, "last night I saw Farmer Brown's boy coming over this way with a lot of traps. Better watch out!" "Go chase yourself, Peter Rabbit. I guess I can look out for myself," replied Jerry, just a little crossly. Peter made a wry face and started for the sweet clover patch. Hardly was he out of sight when Billy Mink and Bobby Coon came down the Laughing Brook together. They seemed very much excited. When they saw Jerry Muskrat, they beckoned for him to come over where they were, and when he got there, they both talked at once, and it was all about Farmer Brown's boy and his traps. "You'd better watch out, Jerry," warned Billy Mink, who is a great traveler and has had wide experience. "Oh, I guess I'm able to take care of myself," said Jerry airily, and once more started for his favorite log. And what do you suppose he was thinking about as he swam along? He was wishing that he knew what a trap looked like, for despite his boasting he didn't even know what he was to look out for. As he drew near his favorite log, something tickled his nose. He stopped swimming to sniff and sniff. My, how good it did smell! And it seemed to come right straight from the old log. Jerry began to swim as fast as he could. In a few minutes he scrambled out on the old log. Then Jerry rubbed his eyes three times to be sure that he saw aright. There were luscious pieces of carrot lying right in front of him. Now there is nothing that Jerry Muskrat likes better than carrot. So he didn't stop to wonder how it got there. He just reached out for the nearest piece and ate it. Then he reached for the next piece and ate it. Then he did a funny little dance just for joy. When he was quite out of breath, he sat down to rest. Snap! Something had Jerry Muskrat by the tail! Jerry squealed with fright and pain. Oh, how it did hurt! He twisted and turned, but he was held fast and could not see what had him. Then he pulled and pulled, until it seemed as if his tail would pull off. But it didn't. So he kept pulling, and pretty soon the thing let go so suddenly that Jerry tumbled head first into the water....
Thornton Waldo Burgess (January 17, 1874 - June 5, 1965) was an American conservationist and author of children's stories. Burgess 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. He was sometimes known as the Bedtime Story-Man. By the time he retired, he had written more than 170 books and 15,000 stories for the daily newspaper column. Burgess was the son of Caroline F. Haywood and Thornton W. Burgess Sr., a direct descendant of Thomas Burgess, one of the first Sandwich settlers in 1637. Thornton, Sr., died the same year his son was born, and the young Thornton, Jr. was brought up by his mother in Sandwich. They lived in humble circumstances.
