Originally published in Mother West Wind "why" stories, Mother West Wind "how" stories, Mother West Wind "when" stories, and Mother West Wind "where" stories: Boston : Little, Brown, 1916-1918.

Why Jimmy Skunk never hurries -- Why Sammy Jay has a fine coat -- Why Buster Bear appears to have no tail -- Why Spotty the Turtle carries his house with him -- Why Paddy the Beaver has a broad tail -- How Howler the Wolf got his name -- How Lightfoot the Deer learned to jump -- How the eyes of old Mr. Owl became fixed -- How old Mr. Heron learned patience -- When Mr. Bluebird won his beautiful coat -- When Mr. Kingfisher took to the ground -- When Bob White won his name -- When old Mr. Hare became a turncoat -- When Peter Rabbit first met Bluffer the Adder -- Where Grandfather Frog got his big mouth -- Where old Mrs. 'Gator made the first incubator -- Where Mr. Quack got his webbed feet.

A selection of seventeen previously-published animal stories, with color versions of the original illustrations.