
The volume gathers a lively assortment of true‑to‑life anecdotes that reveal the quirks and cleverness of the animal kingdom. Drawing on the author’s own travels, contributions from fellow naturalists, and stories long circulated among explorers, each sketch sidesteps dry taxonomy in favor of vivid, often humorous episodes. Readers are treated to observations of mammals—from mischievous monkeys that mirror human gestures to bears tenderly caring for their cubs—presented with a gentle, inquisitive tone.
Accompanying the tales are charming illustrations that bring the scenes to life, whether it is a shepherd dog guiding a herd, a fox outwitting a hare, or wild horses racing alongside wolves. The collection invites listeners to ponder where instinct ends and reasoning begins, while celebrating the subtle intelligence that links all creatures to their Creator. Ideal for city‑bound listeners and curious young minds, the book opens a window onto nature’s hidden dramas without demanding scientific expertise.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (577K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, Marcia Brooks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The University of Florida, The Internet Archive/Children's Library)
Release date
2007-06-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1791–1856
A lively 19th-century natural history writer, traveler, and illustrator, she turned firsthand scientific curiosity into books that welcomed young readers into the wider world. Writing as Mrs. R. Lee after her second marriage, she blended adventure, animals, and careful observation in a way that feels surprisingly modern.
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