The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Potter)

Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers. Her warm, playful illustrations in soft colors invite children into the world of words and flights of fancy. Once there, she gently and humorously guides readers along the path of righteousness, leaving just enough room for children to wonder if that incorrigible Peter will be back in McGregor's garden tomorrow. (Ages Baby to Preschool)

Now, why doesn't Peter Rabbit age? I'm not being literal here, people, so please don't inundate me with explanations that patiently explain that fictional characters in books cannot get old. I won't hear a word of it. Reading "Peter Rabbit" today is just as fresh and new an experience as it was one hundred years ago. Author Beatrix Potter created the story of Peter Rabbit for a young boy with whom she was acquainted. Using the novel idea of drawing animals as they appeared in nature, just in funny clothes and talking, her books are remarkable because she had a dual talent for both illustration and clever narrative. Now after all these years I opened up "Peter Rabbit" to see why I loved it as much as I did as a kid. And the fact of the matter is, it hasn't aged a smidgen. A remarkable and astounding feat for a story originally published in 1903.

Peter lives, as many of us know, in a large fir tree with his mother and his siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. His father was baked in a pie (a fact that many parents have decried as too dark for children, and that many children have shrugged at without a second thought). Though instructed by his mother NOT to go digging in Mr. McGregor's garden, he's a naughty little thing. His tasty trip is brought up short, however, when he stumbles across the farmer himself. In the course of their chase Peter loses his little blue jacket with the shiny brass buttons and must return to his mother (after a series of close shaves) without it or his shoes. He is promptly put to bed with a cup of camomile tea (a fate we non-camomile tea drinkers must assume is harsh) while his siblings eat the tasty blackberries they picked that morning.

Beatrix Potter claimed that though she was adept at illustrating animals, she had the darndest time (my words, not hers) drawing people. You will note, therefore, that Mr. McGregor is a bit of a featureless wag. The story was remarkable in that it was the first time (I believe) that animals drawn in a picture book actually looked like real animals. Peter is exactly the kind of bunny you'd expect to catch in your yard, except that he's occasionally wearing jaunty spring wear. The similarities in this tale to that of the Brer Rabbit tales of the American South is interesting but due to the fact that Potter was writing this story in 1903 Britain, she probably didn't steal the plot. The book is a classic in the purest sense, of course. If you can get a copy that is small (intended from the start to be the size that little hands could open easily) do. It's a beautiful tale that is as fresh and green today as it was when written long long ago. A classic.


Classic tale in Warne and Co's original edition is sized right for little hands   June 27, 2005
A Reader (MD,US)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

For those with very young children who love to read, the Penguin Books series of the original and authorized edition of Beatrix Potter's classic tales are as appropriate as they can be. My 3 year old prefers books sized perfectly for his small hands, and the fact that each tale is here reproduced one book at a time (as opposed to treasuries and collections in one tome) makes it all the more appealing to him.

Beatrix Potter doesn't shy away from more difficult words to tell her story, respecting the ability of children to absorb all kinds of material at an early age. The illustrations in the Frederick Warne and Company Original Edition are just right in detail and tone, neither overwhelming nor detracting from the text.

The story of a naughty young rabbit who decides to disobey his mother by trespassing into Mr. McGregor's garden is told with a sensitivity to the reality of the lives of animals that is rare in today's children's books. It doesn't go out of its way to recite platitudes, contenting itself to simply telling the story of what happens when young Peter finds himself lost in the farmer's garden, in grave danger of turning into rabbit pie like his father before him, and with nothing but his wits to save him. It's a great story about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of courage, that is, not giving up however dire the situation may be. It makes for great discussions during and after readings, and the straightforward events that resonate in the physical world of children makes a wonderful springboard for encouraging tots to retell the story in their own words.


The Tale of Peter Rabbit   February 24, 2006
A. Teacher (New York)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a great little adventure book for children. It is wonderful because even without being able to read, a child can understand the story by looking through Potter's wonderfully illustrated Victorian Era Art. I would recommend this book to any teacher or parent. This should definitely be a book in your personal library.


A little fine book for a better world   May 15, 2007
S. Mauro (Genoa, Italy)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Enchanted by the images of the Movie "B. Potter" I liked to hold this little great book made for children of all ages and which contains words and drawings of a person and a world with much more pure feelings than this one we're living.The Tale of Peter Rabbit (The World of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit)


A Classic Tail...er, Tale   October 4, 2008
Karen Joan (Texas)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT, by Beatrix Potter, has enchanted both children and adults for generations. An exciting adventure book for the wee ones, THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT is the story of Peter, who is very naughty. Peter disobeys his mother, and goes to Mr. McGregor's garden, where he gets into all manner of trouble. While Peter does eventually make it home, he is wet, sick, and has lost his clothes (his second set of clothes in a fortnight!), and his mother gives him chamomile tea for supper. His sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail, who are good little bunnies, get bread and milk and blackberries for supper.

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT gently teaches children to mind their mothers - good little children are given rewards, naughty children get into trouble. This simple tale engages and captivates youngsters who can easily relate to Peter's mischievousness. And while that lesson and Ms. Potter's story are both timeless, it is Ms. Potter's charming illustrations that are the true star of this book. Peter is drawn to look like a real rabbit; a rabbit that wears a very dapper jacket and a little pair of shoes. The soft colors and rich detail of the original drawings continue to delight children throughout the ages.

My three year old adores hearing this story. Whenever we read it together, she loves to shout "Stop thief!" with Mr. McGregor and to sneeze "Kertyschoo!" with Peter. She clearly gets great fun and joy out of this classic tale, as do I. All of Beatrix Potter's tales are delightful to share; however, THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT holds a special place in our hearts.