The Tale of Peter Rabbit

by Beatrix Potter, Cyndy Szekeres (Illustrator)

"Now, my dears," said old Mrs Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden."

Follow the story of naughty Peter Rabbit as he squeezes—predictably—under the gate into Mr. McGregor's garden and finds himself in all kinds of trouble! But how does Peter Rabbit get himself out of this tricky situation? Beatrix Potter's story about one mischievous but ultimately endearing little creature will tell us, accompanied by beautiful illustrations and timeless verses which have transcended generations.

'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', first published in 1902, is still today one of Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tales. It is the first of the illustrious series that is The World of Beatrix Potter', and a story which has endured retelling after retelling at bedtimes all over the world.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) loved the countryside and spent much of her childhood drawing and studying animals. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', first published in 1902, was her first book. She would later go on to publish more than twenty tales and collections of rhymes.

Age Rating: 3–12+ / Preschool - 2+ / Lexile Measure AD660L

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals, Fantasy, Classics

24 pages, Hardcover

Published January 31, 2001

About the author

Helen Beatrix Potter was an English author, illustrator, mycologist, and conservationist who is best known for her children's books, which featured animal characters such as Peter Rabbit.

Born into a wealthy household, Potter was educated by governesses and grew up isolated from other children. She had numerous pets, and through holidays in Scotland and the Lake District, developed a love of landscape, flora, and fauna, all of which she closely observed and painted. Because she was a woman, her parents discouraged intellectual development, but her study and paintings of fungi led her to be widely respected in the field of mycology.

In her thirties, Potter published the highly successful children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit and became secretly engaged to her publisher, Norman Warne, causing a breach with her parents, who disapproved of his social status. Warne died before the wedding.

Potter eventually published 24 children's books, the most recent being The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots (2016), and having become financially independent of her parents, was able to buy a farm in the Lake District, which she extended with other purchases over time.

In her forties, she married a local solicitor, William Heelis. She became a sheep breeder and farmer while continuing to write and illustrate children's books. Potter died in 1943 and left almost all of her property to The National Trust in order to preserve the beauty of the Lake District as she had known it, protecting it from developers.

Potter's books continue to sell well throughout the world, in multiple languages. Her stories have been retold in various formats, including a ballet, films, and in animation.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Rabbit is a mischievous rabbit, unlike his brothers and sisters. Their mother tells them to stay away from the farmers garden. Peter rabbit doesn't listen to his mother and gets into trouble. He ends up losing his coat and shoes and gets ill as a result. At the of the story the reader learns that this is the second time he has lost his clothes. This suggests that Peter doesn't learn from his mistakes. This would be a good start to a discussion with ks1 children about making mistakes and learing lessons.

[Christy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter was told not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden but he didn't listen. He ate so much he got sick then has to hide after he lost his shoes and jacket because he's being chased by Mr. McGregor. By the time he does get home he's even worse sick and tired after having hide in bucket water. His siblings get eat nice meal he has to bed.
He should listened to his mom.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nostalgic to re-read these little golden books! I forgot how morbid it was the peter’s father was cooked in a pie by the farmer

[Little Seesaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little story and this version is just wonderful. such sweet little drawings.

[Aarvik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story to read for growing kids.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Classic Potter story re-illustrated in cute pictures with fun details.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for work.
Made some reading comprehension and writing tasks about the story.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little golden book has beautiful illustrations.

[Punkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was foolish and silly with huge big words for kids and just wtf was with the ending?!

[Brian]

Have you ever gotten into trouble because you didn’t listen?

Well this book tells just that. In this book it follows the character Peter Rabbit who is a curious little rabbit who decides to sneak into Mr. McGregor’s garden even though he was warned not to. But runs into danger as he tries to escape. Learning in the process that there are consequences to his actions.

The main theme that this book followed was responsibility. Responsibility becomes clear when he realizes that not listening can lead to trouble and stress.

Children reading this book can learn that rules exist for a reason and that being safe is more important than giving in to temptation. They can also learn how to control there impulses and learned from what Peter did not do.

This book was a WOW book for me because its simple story still carries a meaningful message that feels timeless.

The two literary devices the author used were personification and imagery. Personification is used with Peter and other animals human-like characteristics on how they act and think, which makes the story easy for young readers to relate to. Imagery appears through the illustrations of the garden, helping readers picture the setting and understand Peter’s fear and excitement.

I would consider this an anti-bias book because it shows characters equally and focuses on teaching responsibility and understanding consequences.

[Tara Thieleke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to reread these classics as an adult. I carried this book around with me as a toddler without ever being able to read it. I recently researched Beatrix Potter and learned how innovative her illustrations and stories were in her era. I appreciate them historically although illustration and writing has come a long way since her pioneering achievements.

[Tippy Bhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is an endearing story of a naughty little rabbit who nearly gets caught and cooked for his mischievous adventures. My son adored Peter Rabbit. Every time he spotted a rabbit outside, he would squeal with delight. A fun read with your children to teach them to listen to their elders and stay out of trouble.

[Alyssa Dangerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a classic story that I think everyone should read to their kids. This story teaches children about the consequences of disobeying their parents and the importance of listening to them. What better way to help a child who is struggling with disobeying their parents/teachers than to read them a story they can relate too?

[Brianna Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant classic. I love this beloved story every time I read it. I read this story growing up and to this day, I am still just as obsessed with it. I think this story is perfect any elementary aged student and it teachers can utilize the story for a variety of lessons. The story teaches about listening to your parents but also the importance of family. I will forever love Peter Rabbit.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything about Peter Rabbit, but found this on the shelf from 1958. My almost five year old enjoyed this story and was able to follow along well and make many inferences, based on the illustrations.

[James Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrix Potter is one of the masters of children's literature, and this classic is proof. What more can I say that hasn't already been said concerning this book. Read all of Potter's work to your children, and let them see the amazing illustrations so they have fodder for their imaginations.

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Now my dears," said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, "you may go in the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor garden. Your father had an accident there—he was baked in a pie. Now run along ... "

[Priscila the Historian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful and full of movement. The story tells us about a mischievous rabbit that goes where his mother told him not to go, I'd say some parts might be a little confusing for kids and the ending is boring.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the book with different illustrations. I’m thinking it might be the first version printed by golden books. This story is one I grew up with hearing read over and over.

[Allison Brogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story would read again.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and accurate detailed.

[Rachel F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story - read via BorrowBox to Henry

4/5

[Tara]

X3

[Dakoda Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter: A illustrated story about a rabbit. It’s a classic that teaches lessons about consequences and adventure.

[Thu Thủy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haha quite cute :))) I accidentally read it when I was trying to find a text for my SFG final assignment

[bethany hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book to read to naughty, little children who wants to disobey

[Vivany · Rating 2 out of 5]

1:5 ⭐️🌟

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Little Golden Book version of Peter Rabbit. Makes me want to find the original Beatrix Potter books to read to Lily.

I liked the pacing of this story and that it doesn't shy away from death--Peter's father was baked into a pie.

Could do without the gender stereotypes, though. The three little girls are all good, well-behaved bunnies, whereas their brother is the troublemaker.

...not that I mind the example to my kid of where Peter's behavior leads, but still.

(As a side note: I have to admit, before I became a parent, I thought moralistic stories for kids were stupid and patronizing. Now I am not so sure. My daughter is practically memorizing every book we read to her.)

The illustrations in this version were cute, but didn't bowl me over. I liked the little old mouse with the pea in her mouth.

[Ataylo18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a really good lesson about the importance of following directions and listening. I think nearly every kid can relate to this story from not listening to misbehaving and losing important things and as a result, getting in trouble. It would be a good conversation starter for a kid who isn't necessarily behaving as they should!

[Wendy Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a childhood favorite of mine. Such a unique story and the illustrations captured my interested every time my mother would read it to me before bed. I enjoy the journey of Peter rabbit and the anticipation of Peter getting back home. It is an adventure throughout the whole book of wondering of good fortune for Peter.

Grade Level: Kindergarten- second grade
Genre: Traditional Fantasy