"The Adventures of Unc' Billy Possum" is a children's book written by Thornton W. Burgess, first published in 1914. The story follows the adventures of a possum named Unc' Billy, who is known for his love of sweet things, his craftiness, and his ability to play dead when necessary. The book is set in the Green Forest, where Unc' Billy lives with his wife and children. One day, while out looking for something sweet to eat, he is caught by Farmer Brown's boy and placed in a cage. With the help of his friends, including Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, and Peter Rabbit, Unc' Billy must use his wits to escape and make his way back home. Along the way, the characters encounter a variety of other forest animals, including Reddy Fox, Bobby Coon, and Granny Fox. They work together to outsmart their enemies and ensure that Unc' Billy makes it back to his family safely. "The Adventures of Unc' Billy Possum" is a classic children's book that teaches valuable lessons about friendship, resourcefulness, and perseverance. It is also a celebration of the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with the creatures around us.
Thornton W. Burgess (1874-1965) was a well-known American author, naturalist, and conservationist. Born in Massachusetts, Burgess developed a love of nature from an early age and spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and fields around his home. After completing his education, Burgess worked as a newspaper reporter and eventually turned to writing children's books. His first book, "Old Mother West Wind," was published in 1910 and was an instant success. This was followed by a series of books featuring a cast of animal characters, including "The Adventures of Peter Cottontail","The Adventures of Sammy Jay," and "The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk." Burgess was also a passionate conservationist and used his writing to promote awareness of the importance of protecting the natural world. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of wildlife habitats and helped to establish several wildlife sanctuaries in Massachusetts. In addition to his writing and conservation work, Burgess was also a respected naturalist and photographer. He traveled extensively throughout North America, studying and documenting a wide variety of animal species. Thornton W. Burgess's books have been beloved by generations of children and continue to be popular today. His legacy as a writer, naturalist, and conservationist has had a lasting impact on the field of children's literature and the world of wildlife conservation.
