Thornton Waldo Burgess, a devoted naturalist and conservationist, knew that instilling a love of the natural world in young people was one of the best ways to inspire conservation in adults. His writings spanned over fifty years, more than 170 books and 15,000 articles, and inspired several generations. Many of Burgess' observations of nature were featured in his stories, and his many characters, including Peter Rabbit, Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, Bobby Raccoon, Joe Otter, Grandfather Frog, and many others, displayed both animal and human traits that were very recognizable to readers.

The Boston Museum of Science awarded Burgess a special gold medal for "leading children down the path to the wide wonderful world of the outdoors."