THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT by Beatrix Potter

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Potter, Beatrix. 2002. The tale of Peter Rabbit. London: Frederick Warne. ISBN: 9780723247708 .

AWARDS

Waterstones The Nation's Favourite Children's Books (1997)
New York Public Library's Books of the Century
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up (2009)


PLOT SUMMARY

In The Tale of Peter Rabbit three of Mrs. Rabbit’s children – Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail – are good little bunnies, but the fourth, the dear Peter, is too curious and that gets him into trouble. He goes to Mr. McGregor’s garden even after his mother strictly forbids him to visit. The lure of goodies in Mr. McGregor’s garden is a big temptation for him and Peter disobeys. Unfortunately, he gets sick from eating the farmer’s vegetables and is chased by Mr. McGregor. When, without his clothes, he finally gets home, Mrs. Rabbit gives him chamomile tea, while his sisters get to eat supper.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is dramatic, exciting, and full of action little book. The original small format is specifically selected by Beatrix Potter because young children feel more comfortable holding that size. The story is well written in every aspect; there is no denying the charm of the crisp language and scientifically accurate (albeit the clothes) bunny rabbits.

The illustrations are artfully executed. Tiny, detailed watercolors each get a page of their own. Images are beautiful classics. Transparent, natural colors add to the sense of realism even though they depict little rabbits wearing coats and shoes. As a result, most children seem to find them thoroughly believable; consequently, they tend to see themselves in these stories and identify with the characters in them. Children like Peter’s naughty sense of adventure, and they are thrilled when he escapes from the clutches of Mr. McGregor. However, the literary concept of poetic justice that the good are rewarded and the bad are punished is also noticeable. The readers hold their anticipation for fairness and justice, and their expectations are fulfilled, seeing Peter’s endangerment and ultimate reconciliation.

Beatrix Potter delivers an engaging, brilliant classic.


REVIEW EXCERPTS

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “It is pleasing to the eye and easy to read, a plus for every parent, teacher or child reading this story time and again.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Potter’s beautiful, impeccable illustrations are a perfect match for her finely honed prose. Our children deserve no less."

AMAZON.COM: "Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers.”, starred review, August 2006 review, August 2006


CONNECTIONS

• Rabbits Story Time Extensions:
Arnosky, Jim. Rabbits and Raindrops. ISBN 0399226354
Weninger, Brigitte. What have you done, Davy? ISBN 1558585818
Dunbar, Joyce. Tell me something happy before I go to sleep. ISBN 015201795X
• Storybook Gardens discussion – children’s literature includes many stories about vegetable gardens and flowers and the people who cared for them:
Stewart, Sarah. The Gardener. ISBN 0374425183
Saltzman, Ruth E. Poppy Bear: the garden that overslept. ISBN 1582700427
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. ISBN 9780670479580
• Discussion – oral story telling provides valuable language experiences and helps children understand story structure:
Was The Tale of Peter Rabbit the only adventure in Peter’s life?
Ask the children do they disobey parent’s words
Have the children continue the story with their own ideas.