The Thelma Thistle series is a collection of children’s chapter books written and illustrated by Joyce Burton Crawford, a fourth‑generation Floridian and award‑winning author. Inspired by a dream in 1986, the series follows Thelma Thistle and her growing circle of friends — Bunny, Beetle, Cory Crow, Adam Mouse, Rudy Raccoon, and Chippy Bat — as they explore friendship, courage, science, nature, and the moral lessons that shape young hearts.

Each book blends gentle humor, imaginative adventures, and age‑appropriate learning. Unique to the series, every volume includes a vocabulary section featuring definitions from Webster’s Children’s Dictionary, along with page references to help young readers build confidence and comprehension.

From stories about bravery and forgiveness to tales that introduce children to science, nature, and even the difficult topic of death, the Thelma Thistle books encourage curiosity, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Perfect for early readers, classrooms, and family reading time, these stories help children grow in both knowledge and kindness.