The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

1. Bibliography: Potter, Beatrix. 1902. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. London, England. Frederick Warne & Co. ISBN:0723247706

2. Summary: The story is centered around Peter Rabbit and his family. He has three sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail and his mother.  Peter’s mother warns the children to never go into Mr. McGregor’s garden because that is where their father had an accident and was put into a pie.  Peter’s mother then leaves for the baker and the mischief begins.  Peter’s sisters go and pick blackberries, but Peter has other plans. He heads straight away to Mr. McGregor’s garden and eats vegetables until he is sick. Peter is then caught by Mr. McGregor and in the scuffle Peter looses his coat and shoes.  Peter is then stuck.  He can’t get away and every time he tries he runs into Mr. McGregor again.  He finally escapes and runs home.  His mother gives him chamomile tea to make him feel better and sends him to bed while his sisters get blackberries, bread and milk for dinner.

3. Critical Analysis: Like many books written during this time, the story has a lesson. This lesson isn’t always told in the most gentle of ways but this time it was softer.  I love Beatrix Potter because of her illustrations and her very British stories.  The colors in her illustrations are so beautiful and strong that it looks like it should be on canvas not in a children’s book.  I had never read Peter Rabbit although I had read “Jemima Puddle Duck.” I personally like Peter Rabbit because of the character.  He is such the proper English bunny, wearing a jacket and shoes, but he’s also just like any other little boy exploring and doing exactly what his mother told him not to. Beatrix Potter truly was a most amazing writer and illustrator.

4. Review Excerpts: 

~The Los Angeles Times: “The special flavor of Potter’s visual style is easy to recall. It is a world seen in miniatures, a dollhouse world, a world seen through the naturalist’s microscope.”

~New York Public Library’s Books  of the Century

~ 501 Must Read Books

5. Connections:

~This story helps kids understand the necessity of listening to their parents.

~Helps reiterate the point that taking something that is not yours is not right.

~Other books by Beatrix Potter:

Potter, Beatrix. 1908. THE TALE OF JEMIMA PUDDLE DUCK. ISBN:0723247781 

Potter, Beatrix. 1903.  THE TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN. ISBN: 0723267707