First published in 1913, Mother West Wind's Neighbors is a collection of fifteen complete stories.These timeless tales relate how many of Thornton Burgess's animal characters came to live in the Green Forest, Green Meadow, and Briar Patch. The book serves as a wonderful introduction to the characters and~gives children the opportunity to learn about animal behavior in an amusing fashion. Learn why Sammy Jay always cries "Thief!";why Johnny Chuck does not like Blacky the Crow;and why Mrs. Possum has such big pockets.

Growing up during the late nineteenth century in Sandwich,Massachusetts, Thornton W. Burgess often wandered through the countryside, where he learned to recognize and appreciate the birds and animal life of the area. Later on, as an adult, he told stories to his young son about these same creatures. His first book, Old Mother West Wind, published in 1910, contained a co|lection of these stories. Three years later it was followed by" Mother West Wind"s Neighbors--15 delightful fables from the world of the Green Forest and Green Meadows.

In this classic of children"s literature, readers find out why Johnny Chuck doesn"t like Blacky the Crow and why O1" Mistah Buzzard has a bald head. They"ll learn what is in Mrs. Possum"s big pocket and how Hooty the Owl gets even. They"ll even find out who stole Mrs.Grouse"s eggs, discover why Sammy Jay cries "Thief," and uncover other secrets of Mother West Wind"s neighbors.

Brimming with gentle humor and real lessons about nature, these enchanting tales will captivate today"s youngsters as much as they charmed audiences generations ago.

Why Johnny Chuck Does Not Like

Blacky the Crow

Unc" Billy Possum Arrives

Why OI" Mistah Buzzard Has

a Bald Head

Hooty the Owl Gets Even

Happy Jack Squirrel"s Stolen Nuts

Why Sammy Jay Cries "Thief"

The Most Beautiful Thing in the World

Old Mrs. Possum"s Big Pocket

Why Peter Rabbit Wears a White Patch

Who Stole the Eggs of Mrs. Grouse

How Digger the Badger Came

to the Green Meadows

Why Mistah Mocker Is the Best Loved

of All the Birds

The Impudence of Mr. Snake

Peter Rabbit"s First Snow

Mrs. Grouse Goes to Bed