Today I welcome back a special guest reviewer that takes over graces my blog once a year!
Welcome back Darth Vader and May the Fourth Be With You!
shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh
Darth?
shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh
Darth why are you just standing there breathing?
I FEEL A DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE.
Really? What kind of disturbance? I thought we were here to review the Thornton Burgess books – you know Peter Cotton Tail and Jimmy Skunk?
YES. THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE.
Which one?
shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh shhhhhh skaaaahh
Okay- never mind I will just get on with the reviews.
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail
Series: The Thornton Burgess Library
By Thornton W. Burgess
128 pages – ages 6+
Published by Seagrass Press on March 1, 2017
Synopsis from the Publisher- Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ Peter Cottontail in The Adventures of Peter Cottontail.
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail recounts the hijinks of one of the most endearing and beloved creatures in children’s literature. Full of mischief (and then remorse), Peter has exploits that are delightfully recognizable to anyone who has children and will surely tickle yet another generation of young readers.
Peter Cottontail’s efforts to outwit the ever-hungry Reddy Fox lead to a number of whisker-thin escapes, and his fascination with the hibernation of some of his neighbors, such as Johnny Chuck, leads to his decision to hibernate . . . with riotous consequences.
This reprint of the classic that was originally published in 1914 presents Burgess’ classic style of telling a terrific tale while imparting information about the environment and its creatures.
The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk
Series: The Thornton Burgess Library
By Thornton W. Burgess
128 pages – ages 6+
Published by Seagrass Press on March 1, 2017
Synopsis from the Publisher- Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ Jimmy Skunk, the good-natured character who is usually left alone because of his potent “perfume.”
Like all of Thornton Burgess’ characters, Jimmy Skunk’s natural instincts are completely accurate, but his personality is easily relatable!
Jimmy Skunk thinks that the old barrel at the top of the hill will be a perfect place for a restful nap. But mischievous Peter Rabbit thinks up a way to upend this plan, very literally, and even arranges that Reddy Fox will get the blame – and a dose of Jimmy’s “perfume.” But Jimmy figures out the truth and makes sure that Peter gets his comeuppance with the help of a nest of yellow-jackets. Later, when Jimmy gets a hankering for some fresh eggs, he and Unc’ Billy Possum wind up in a pretty pickle in Farmer Brown’s henhouse.
Originally published in 1918, this book will inspire giggles and gasps from another generation as readers and listeners will learn about skunks, opossums, and life in the meadow through the eyes of Jimmy Skunk.
What I Thought About the Series- I really enjoyed reading these; they have a way of transporting you to another time. The storied are timeless, and actually took me a bit to realize they were written early 20th century. As a kid, I knew the stories of Peter Cottontail but never really knew who Thornton Burgess was and that there were more stories of his out there! I am glad to know now. – Burgess wrote stories similar to Beatrice Potter, but also charmingly different. The books are accompanied by what appears to be original illustrations. They tell neat short stories with chapters, good for a beginning reader or installments at bedtime. Burgess’ writing is timeless and will connect with any child today. The stories show good clean fun with tricksters, friendships, consequences, and also forgiveness. The book also talks about nature and creates an appreciation for the animals that live outside. I am extremely excited that Seagrass Press is bringing these classics back into print! I love the updated covers – very eye-catching!
I give these books five out of five bookworms! 
Now for Darth Vader’s take on the books –
Darth- what do you think about Peter Cotton Tail?
HE WASN’T ON ANY MERCY MISSION AFTER ALL.
Huh? No Peter Cotton Tail just tries to fool Reddy Fox…
PERHAPS I CAN FIND NEW WAYS TO MOTIVATE THEM.
Umm – okay. Well what about Jimmy Skunk? What do you think about him?
HE IS AS POWERFUL AS THE EMPEROR HAS FORESEEN.
What emperor? There’s only Farmer Brown.
IT IS OF NO CONCERN. SOON THE REBELLION WILL BE CRUSHED,
Darth, I need you to focus. I’ve got a blog to run here and… ahk ahk gasp
Darth that was uncool. You need to stop force chocking me. Every year it’s the same thing. Just tell me how many book worms you’d give the books.
I WILL GIVE THEM 10,000 DEATH STARS.
Nice Darth but my rating scale is in bookworms and it only goes to five
I FIND YOUR LACK OF FAITH DISTURBING.
*sigh*
Okay you win, 10,000 Death Stars. Any last words Darth?
