Determined to see the Great World beyond the familiar vistas of the Smiling Pool, Laughing Brook, Green Meadows and Green Forest, Grandfather Frog leaps forth only to tumble haplessly into the pitfalls of greed, boastfulness and carelessness. In this time-honored classic, Thornton W. Burgess mixes exciting adventure and good-natured humor with gentle homily to spin a wholesome tale of animal characters that children have found irresistible for generations.

Woven into Grandfather Frog’s adventures are the daring pranks of Jerry Muskrat, Little Joe Otter and Billy Mink, the hunting exploits of Longlegs the Blue Heron and Whitetail the Marsh Hawk and the brave deeds of Danny Meadow Mouse and Striped Chipmunk. Their interwoven stories, newly reset here in large, easy-to-read type, will delight children as they discover,one by one, the many good reasons why Grandfather Frog came to wish he had never, never thought of leaving the Smiling Pool to see the Great World.

THORNTON W. BURGESS was born January 14, 1874, in Sandwich, Massachusetts, a Cape Cod town known for glass manufacture. As a young boy, Thornton found adventure and solace in nature and all it offered. He passed on his own love of the outdoors to his son through the magic tales that he created. He was encouraged by Little, Brown, and Company to publish these stories. Old Mother West Wind, his first children’s book, was introduced in 1910. Mr. Burgess interested both children and adults in nature by bringing animal characters to life and putting them into exciting situations. Peter Rabbit was Burgess’ most famous character.

Today, the Thornton W. Burgess Society continues to carry out the philosophies of Thornton W. Burgess’ stories. The Society operates the Green Briar Nature Center and the Thornton W. Burgess Museum in Sandwich,Massachusetts, and publishes periodic newsletters and bulletins to inspire reverence for wildlife and concern for the natural environment. The Society is a leading force in environmental education on Cape Cod.

Grandfather Frog has a very big mouth! He does not mind being teased about it since a big mouth comes in very handy for catching tasty green flies. In this collection of stories, however, Grandfather Frog’s big mouth gets him into a lot of trouble. Learn more about his adventures and meet some of his friends that live around the Smiling Pool. When you visit a "smiling pool" where you live, listen carefully for Grandfather Frog. His "chugarum" is unmistakable! The Adventures of Grandfather Frog was first published in 1915. The stories in this book have timeless appeal for children of all ages.

I. Billy Mink Finds Little Joe Otter

II. Longlegs the Blue Heron Receives Callers

III. Longlegs Visits the Smiling Pool

IV. The Patience of Longlegs the Blue Heron

V. Grandfather Frog Jumps Just in Time

VI. Longlegs and Whitetail Quarrel

VII. Grandfather Frog’s Big Mouth Gets Him in Trouble

VIII. Spotty the Turtle Plays Doctor

IX. Old Mr. Toad Visits Grandfather Frog

X. Grandfather Frog Starts Out to See the Great World

XI. Grandfather Frog Is Stubborn

XII. Grandfather Frog Keeps On

XIII. Danny Meadow Mouse Feels Responsible

XIV. Grandfather Frog Has a Strange Ride

XV. Grandfather Frog Gives Up Hope

XVI. The Merry Little Breezes Work Hard

XVII. Striped Chipmunk Cuts the String

XVIII. Grandfather Frog Hurries Away

XIX. Grandfather Frog Jumps into More Trouble

XX. Grandfather Frog Loses Heart

XXI. The Merry Little Breezes Try to Comfort Grandfather Frog

XXII. Grandfather Frog’s Troubles Grow

XXIII. The Dear Old Smiling Pool Once More