Excellent antique (1911) children’s book “Mother West Wind’s Children” by Thornton W. Burgess; Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox; illustrated by Kerr

For being 113 years old, this book is in pretty amazing condition. It would be a perfect heirloom to read to your children, which they could then read to their children, and they to theirs. It’s an original 1911 printing of “Mother West Wind’s Children” by Thornton W. Burgess, and published by Grosset & Dunlap of New York. This version is illustrated by George Kerr. I love the pictorial green and white endpapers, featuring bears, birds, rabbits, racoons, frogs, and more! The black and white frontispiece shows Reddy Fox in a scarf, and I am a huge fan of the dedication, which is “to all the little friends of Johnny Chuck and Reddy Fox, and to all who love the green meadows and the smiling pool, the laughing brook and the merry little breezes.” There are four illustrations in this copy. Teal cloth-covered boards, with black titling and illustrations on the front cover and spine. Binding and hinges are very good; very little shelf wear. Interior pages barely toned, with no annotations, tears, foxing, stains, or losses. Overall an excellent copy.
From Goodreads: “Thornton Burgess was born in 1874 in Sandwich, Massachusetts. While growing up he explored the fields, woods, and salt marshes of Cape Cod, where he came to know the birds, animals, and plant life well. Later, as a grown man, he told stories to his young son about the animals and wildlife he knew and loved. These stories were collected in Old Mother West Wind, the first of more than seventy books by Mr. Burgess. A companion to that perennial favorite, Mother West Wind’s Children is a collection of fifteen “Why” stories: Why are Peter Rabbit’s ears so long? Why does Reddy Fox have no friends? Harrison Cady’s classic illustrations bring these beloved characters to life and help make this time-honored title perfect for generations of children to enjoy.”
The fifteen stories included in this book are: Danny Meadow Mouse Learns Why His Tail is Short; Why Reddy Fox Has No Friends; Why Peter Rabbit’s Ears are Long; Reddy Fox Disobeys; Striped Chipmunk’s Pockets; Reddy Fox, the Boaster; Johnny Chuck’s Secret; Johnny Chuck’s Great Fight; Mr. Toad’s Old Suit; Grandfather Frog Gets Even; The Disappointed Bush; Why Bobby Coon Washes His Food; The Merry Little Breezes Have a Busy Day; Why Hooty the Owl Does Not Play on the Green Meadows; and Danny Meadow Mouse Learns to Laugh.
Free local pickup is available in Geneva, IL. If shipped, I will send the book via USPS, with a tracking number. Thanks for looking!