The Adventures of Peter Cottontail

The Bedtime Story Books

by Thornton Burgess; Illustrator-Harrison Cady

The Adventures of Peter Cottontail is a story about famous Peter Rabbit who, unhappy at his plain-sounding name, briefly changes his name to Peter Cottontail because he felt it made him sound more important. He began putting on airs to live up to his important-sounding name, but after much teasing from his friends, he soon returns to his original name. The book includes many of Peter's friends such as Jimmy Skunk, Reddy Fox, Johnny Chuck, Happy Jack, and Unc' Billy Possum.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Classics, Animals, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Nature

Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This strikes me as a particularly funny Burgess book somehow. Particularly the incident with the hat! I expect it’s because I tend to find Peter humorous at any time. XP I read it aloud to my siblings and they all highly enjoyed it. Peter’s & Reddy’s escapades were enjoyable and funny, although they did remind us somewhat of The Adventures of Reddy Fox. Sammy Jay & Blacky the Crow did bug me in this book because they kept siding with Reddy against Peter…

Content: A couple mentions of old Mother Nature. 

A Favourite Quote: “‘There's nothing in a name except
Just what we choose to make it.
It lies with us and no one else
How other folks shall take it.
It's what we do and what we say
And how we live each passing day
That makes it big or makes it small
Or even worse than none at all.
A name just stands for what we are;
It's what we choose to make it.
And that's the way and only way
That other folks will take it.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The thought made Peter so indignant that he forgot that he was hiding, and he sat up on his hind legs. Of course, he lifted the straw hat with him. Then he remembered and sat down again in a hurry. Of course, the straw hat went down quite as quickly.”

[Jon E · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Reddy Fox was giving Bobby Coon his plan. His plan was Reddy Fox was going to be behind a log and Bobby Coon would be showing him it. His plan was to catch Peter Cottontail. Reddy Fox missed and then Peter Cottontail skipped to something like clover.

[Chyina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've seen movies and tv shows about Peter Cottontail, but admittedly, never read the books. Despite being an adult reading a children's book, I enjoyed the tales. They made me smile and even made me want to read more about the critters in this book. These are wonderful little stories that I think any child could enjoy and most adults would like for a quick light read.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of several Thornton W. Burgess books that I remember my dad reading to me and my sister when we were little. Loved them. Later read it on my own.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this as part of a Family Reading Adventure: Reread a favorite childhood book.

I enjoyed it very much and the world of the Green Meadows that Thornton W. Burgess wrote about. It also brought back memories of reading his books to my children.

Peter Cottontail is always on the look out for Reddy Fox - Peter doesn't want to become dinner for Reddy's old Granny Fox. The Merry Little Breezes are busy speading the news of the animals lives.

[Joshua Southard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom recently gave me a 50lb box of books from our childhood reading days. I am going to read them to the kids in an attempt to brainwash them into loving reading like I do. We started with Peter Cottontail. The chapters are short so I have been reading one or two at meal times. Peter Rabbit spends most of the book hippity-hopping around the Green Meadow looking for food and trying not to be food for Reddy Fox. The other animals in the Meadow come in and out of his adventures and usually get a good laugh at Peter or Reddy’s expense. Some of the adventures have a moral aspect; some are just for fun. The next book in the series is The Adventures of Johnny Chuck.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This vintage children’s story is well-written and entertaining, and I enjoyed the charming illustrations. But I can’t really recommend it, since the stories center so much around the mischief and malice of the animals toward each other. Peter’s “friends” are the epitome of the saying, “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” In my opinion, good children’s literature is that which causes the reader to contemplate and appreciate goodness and truth. Not much goodness or truth here.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for Thornton Burgess-- My children went to Green Meadows and Thorton T. Burgess schools. When I was a child, my dad rescued an injured hawk and an abandoned racoon kit, both of whom were taken in by the Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. I can really picture the green meadow and green woods that these animals lived in. A great local author, and I love the illustrations.

[Candis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just one more chapter mommy! Pleeease!" begged my kids every single time I started to close the book. My children adore Thornton Burgess' writing. I could read his tales out loud to my kids over and over again, and I don't think they would ever grow weary of listening to Peter's adventures.

[L.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get that Burgess’ series has merit in teaching kids about the habits of animals, but I’ve just never really enjoyed reading their escapades or even something similar like “Wind in the Willows.” No complaints about the quality of the writing though.

[Loralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute, the kids liked it a lot.

[Boyschool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book!

Just adore all the books in this series of stories about the animals that live in the green meadows and the green forest.

[Helen Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite adventures yet! Great read aloud for our 4 and 5 year old boys. The chapters are short and have lots of fun adventures that also teach good lessons!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've read this one with each of my kids in their school when they were little. I was surprised they wanted to re-read it again after our last Burgess book, but it is still a good one.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this old time tales written over a century ago. So creative and country.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love reading aloud Burgess' books. This is an author my son really loves.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a few of these books, which are a happy childhood memory. There are several stories in this little volume. You will find a lesson in each.They definitely qualify as bedtime stories.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read to kids for bedtime. Lots of fun characters.

[Hannah Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children and I loved reading this book together. It is beautifully written and introduces nature through story telling.

[Hà Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

FUNNY!!! GOOD FOR CHILDREN READ WHEN THEY STRESS

[Amber Capotosto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved this book. It was one of my favorites as a child. At age 37 listened to it on audio, just because.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading these books. They are such a joy.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminder to be appreciative.

[StephenPaul ChaseJr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books about Easter, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sue Goad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Thornton Burgess books as a child. So much fun to read them again!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read. I actually read it for a summer reading program.

[Alice Churchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me hooked on Thornton W Burgess. Listening to all his audiobooks with my son

[Luanne Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a nostalgic mood last night. So now I’m collecting and rereading these from my childhood. Cozy reading for some autumn evenings. 🍁🍁

[Mairin Schuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud for fun. We love all the burgess books. Easy reads, quick chapters, the kids giggle throughout and learn about the animals without even realizing it. Every rabbit we see is Peter lol

[Joy]

I was frustrated with this series. It seems like a knock-off of Beatrix Potter's book and the "jokes" were just bullying.