Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton Burgess was an American author, naturalist, and conservationist known for his children's books featuring animal characters. He was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1874, and grew up in a rural environment, where he developed a deep love and understanding of the natural world.

Burgess was a prolific writer, producing over 170 books and more than 15,000 stories for newspapers and magazines during his lifetime. He is most famous for his series of books featuring the adventures of Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, Johnny Chuck, and other animal characters, all of whom live in the Green Meadow and Green Forest.

Burgess's philosophy centered on the importance of nature and conservation. He believed that people should learn to appreciate and respect the natural world, and that it was our responsibility to protect it for future generations. His books were not only entertaining but also educational, teaching children about the behavior and habitats of various animals.

Burgess passed away in 1965 at the age of 91. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of children's literature and a passionate advocate for conservation. In 1960, he was awarded the Saint Francis of Assisi Award by the New York City Animal Welfare League in recognition of his work in promoting humane treatment of animals.

Some of Thornton Burgess's notable works include "The Adventures of Peter Cottontail," "The Adventures of Reddy Fox," "The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel," and "The Adventures of Grandfather Frog." His books continue to be popular today, with many of them still in print and enjoyed by children all over the world.

A fun fact about Thornton Burgess is that he had a personal menagerie of animals, including a skunk, raccoon, and a red fox that inspired many of the characters in his books. He also wrote a daily newspaper column called "Bedtime Stories," which was syndicated in over 170 newspapers across the country and became wildly popular among children and adults alike.