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The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #3
The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood
Beatrix Potter loves the warmth of Sawrey, her new hometown. But even the kindest of souls can turn snappish when houseguests overstay their welcome. When Beatrix returns from time away, she finds the attic overrun with rats. Rosabelle, resident rat and generous hostess, has offered her family a place to stay. But when word gets out, she soon has dozens of rat families on her tiny hands. To get rid of them, Beatrix invites some cats over-deeply offending Felicia Frummety, resident cat. Then a mysterious outsider plans to ruin the pristine shoreline of Lake Windermere by building a sprawl of villas. And trouble has beset three village children, favorites of Beatrix, who are counting on the help of the fairies of Cuckoo Brow Wood. Now, with her signature tact, Beatrix must work with her friends-human and animal-to set things right.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 27, 2006
47 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,378 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
September 21, 2020
I have enjoyed Albert’s fictional series about Beatrix Potter. They seem to be an ideal read for our current world situation. Potter enjoyed her time in the Lake District and found it stimulated her creative ideas for her stories. Albert works on this idea for the stories.
The book is well written and researched. Albert does an excellent job of creating what life might have been like for Potter. The story has people, animals and ,of course, children along with a mystery to solve. Hill Top Farm has a rat problem and, of course, in come the cats to solve it in a true Potter fashion. Some people may object to the anthropomorphizing, but I liked it. Albert is an excellent storyteller. I recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and 2 minutes. Virginia Leishman does an excellent job narrating the series. Leishman is an English actress and well-known audiobook narrator.
The book is well written and researched. Albert does an excellent job of creating what life might have been like for Potter. The story has people, animals and ,of course, children along with a mystery to solve. Hill Top Farm has a rat problem and, of course, in come the cats to solve it in a true Potter fashion. Some people may object to the anthropomorphizing, but I liked it. Albert is an excellent storyteller. I recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and 2 minutes. Virginia Leishman does an excellent job narrating the series. Leishman is an English actress and well-known audiobook narrator.
September 18, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series. I don’t usually read series back to back, but these books have that perfect combination of small village charm and recurring (animal and human) characters I enjoy (particularly the teens). Plus, they are based loosely on Beatrix Potter’s life, making me want to learn more about her.
The story is perfect for listening at 3am, because it’s interesting enough to keep my mind off of anything bugging me, but it won’t keep me awake. All of the audiobooks so far are narrated by the same person, who does a great job, another nice plus.
All books so far have both a map and a cast of characters. There is a teeny love story off to the side. I can download them on Libby / Hoopla, and the Scranton public library is lending the cd books to my local library in MD. What’s not to like?! Sign me up to finish the series 😀❤️
ETA: This book also has fairies! They just keep getting better ☺️
The story is perfect for listening at 3am, because it’s interesting enough to keep my mind off of anything bugging me, but it won’t keep me awake. All of the audiobooks so far are narrated by the same person, who does a great job, another nice plus.
All books so far have both a map and a cast of characters. There is a teeny love story off to the side. I can download them on Libby / Hoopla, and the Scranton public library is lending the cd books to my local library in MD. What’s not to like?! Sign me up to finish the series 😀❤️
ETA: This book also has fairies! They just keep getting better ☺️
September 29, 2022
* I take my writing seriously and consider comments the reward. Please do not leave “like button” clicks, until you are accompanying them with remarks for me. *
This is the most exciting, magical story by Susan Wittig Albert! Even though she colours in every resident, we stay with characters we like: Beatrix, Will Heelis, Caroline, Dimity Woodcock, and introduce Irish schoolmate Deidre Malone. Deidre is housed by the veterinarian family, for being their nanny. She tells Caroline and Jeremy what her mother taught her about fairies, thus bringing an element I love that had been missing: something mystical!
This is Susan at her best: detailed where you want it but chasing characters after the action. Some information is gleaned by accident but like out of the movies, Beatrix and others directly launch into a showdown with no second to spare. Everything kept me reading with a fever pitch, like the three teenagers embarking to locate fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. It was enchanting to go inside these woods, always on the map but not delved into before. Even this book's cover is the prettiest. We meet absent villager Major Kittredge, of whom Dimity was fond before he went on a mission. He returns with a scarcely-acquainted wife everyone mistrusts. Their public reception grants us a look at Raven Hall, containing a legendary artifact.
It’s fulfilling to reveal sides not seen before. Beatrix and Will like animals but what also says a lot about a person, is openness to the supernatural. Reactions to legends were neat. With all the above making an extraordinary novel, striking personal touches tied me to it! I too was new in town, with my first piece of land. The parallel synch of the novel stood my hair on end. At the time of reading, as I closed the last page, it was ‘May Eve’ in real life; allegedly the ideal night to search for fairies…. and I happen to live in a forest!
This is the most exciting, magical story by Susan Wittig Albert! Even though she colours in every resident, we stay with characters we like: Beatrix, Will Heelis, Caroline, Dimity Woodcock, and introduce Irish schoolmate Deidre Malone. Deidre is housed by the veterinarian family, for being their nanny. She tells Caroline and Jeremy what her mother taught her about fairies, thus bringing an element I love that had been missing: something mystical!
This is Susan at her best: detailed where you want it but chasing characters after the action. Some information is gleaned by accident but like out of the movies, Beatrix and others directly launch into a showdown with no second to spare. Everything kept me reading with a fever pitch, like the three teenagers embarking to locate fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. It was enchanting to go inside these woods, always on the map but not delved into before. Even this book's cover is the prettiest. We meet absent villager Major Kittredge, of whom Dimity was fond before he went on a mission. He returns with a scarcely-acquainted wife everyone mistrusts. Their public reception grants us a look at Raven Hall, containing a legendary artifact.
It’s fulfilling to reveal sides not seen before. Beatrix and Will like animals but what also says a lot about a person, is openness to the supernatural. Reactions to legends were neat. With all the above making an extraordinary novel, striking personal touches tied me to it! I too was new in town, with my first piece of land. The parallel synch of the novel stood my hair on end. At the time of reading, as I closed the last page, it was ‘May Eve’ in real life; allegedly the ideal night to search for fairies…. and I happen to live in a forest!
June 23, 2015
Lake district 1907. Quaint, endearing, and relaxing, these stories can't help but provoke nostalgic reminiscences of childhood, when everyone seemed to believe in fairies, magic, Father Christmas and talking pets! On a more serious level, the historical context seems to be accurate, and the social position of women in that era certainly gives food for thought!
If, as a child, your mother or granny used to read you bedtime stories such as Beatrix Potter's Tales and Cicely Mary Barker's beautiful "Flower Fairies" (both published by Frederick Warne), then you'll love this series.
If, as a child, your mother or granny used to read you bedtime stories such as Beatrix Potter's Tales and Cicely Mary Barker's beautiful "Flower Fairies" (both published by Frederick Warne), then you'll love this series.
October 5, 2017
This one was less good. I basically predicted the villains, the plot and the resolution stupidly early on.
And the animals, and their sentience got a bit too much in this one. I could perhaps have also done with fewer descriptions of rat massacres.
On the other hand, I still enjoy the characters. And I find these are good reading for right before bed, to sort of turn off my brain. Which is perhaps not the most ringing of endorsements, but there you are.
And the animals, and their sentience got a bit too much in this one. I could perhaps have also done with fewer descriptions of rat massacres.
On the other hand, I still enjoy the characters. And I find these are good reading for right before bed, to sort of turn off my brain. Which is perhaps not the most ringing of endorsements, but there you are.
September 25, 2020
2020 bk 318: Beatrix Potter's farm, barn, and house is filled with rats, to the point that the earliest resident rats are disgusted and advertise for a cat. The other animals in the village, upset with Felicity the cat for not doing her job, also advertise for cats. This is a book of two mysteries - one in the world of the animals of HillTop Farm and the village and one of the humans of the area. Major Ketteridge has finally returned from the wars, minus an arm, but plus a wife. The wife doesn't seem to fit in, and even less so when Beatrix overhears someone trying to blackmail her. I enjoy the juxtaposition of the two mysteries and the personalities of the stories.
April 23, 2025
Delightful cast of characters. A fun Beatrix story!
Lots of rats in this story though! And some gossip of red-heads being witches. And there's fairies and other magical creatures hiding in the woods.
Lots of rats in this story though! And some gossip of red-heads being witches. And there's fairies and other magical creatures hiding in the woods.
December 30, 2016
Miss Potter is back in the Lake District just at the time spring is really making an appearance. The village is preparing for May Day celebrations, the village school is about to break at half term and it's lambing and calving time.
There are two village children we have met in previous books, Jeremy Crosfield and Caroline, granddaughter of the local lady-of-the-manor, Lady Longfield. Both are orphans and Miss Potter has befriended both. In this book, a third orphan has come to the village, a ginger-haired Irish lass named Dierdre. These three play important roles in this book.
Jeremy is a very intelligent boy but unfortunately, he lives with his aunt who does not possess the funds necessary to provide an education beyond the village school. She has obtained two possible apprenticeships, one with the local carpenter and the other with a Hawkshead apothecary. He has passed the exams to be admitted to a school in nearby Ambleside, but knows his aunt cannot afford the tuition, lodging and clothes.
Caroline is a bright, engaging child, but she is unhappy with her grandmother who is old-fashioned in her views about ladies and commoners and and won't allow her to play with the village children. So Caroline sneaks out to meet Dierdre and Jeremy.
Dierdre believes in fairies and the like and she hopes to find them on May Eve. She asks Miss Potter to accompany them, along with Rascal, the Jack Russell terrier.
In addition to the fairy- hunting, Miss Potter is occupied with the rats that have overrun Hill Top Farm, thanks to the lazy cat who lives there. Plus, a local landowner, Major Kittredge, has married and there is some mystery about his wife. And the vicar is plagued by visitors who have worn out their welcome.
Miss Potter seems to be on hand at the right time to help resolve all these problems.
As I've said before, these books are so charming and restful - I just love reading them as a break from more serious fare.
There are two village children we have met in previous books, Jeremy Crosfield and Caroline, granddaughter of the local lady-of-the-manor, Lady Longfield. Both are orphans and Miss Potter has befriended both. In this book, a third orphan has come to the village, a ginger-haired Irish lass named Dierdre. These three play important roles in this book.
Jeremy is a very intelligent boy but unfortunately, he lives with his aunt who does not possess the funds necessary to provide an education beyond the village school. She has obtained two possible apprenticeships, one with the local carpenter and the other with a Hawkshead apothecary. He has passed the exams to be admitted to a school in nearby Ambleside, but knows his aunt cannot afford the tuition, lodging and clothes.
Caroline is a bright, engaging child, but she is unhappy with her grandmother who is old-fashioned in her views about ladies and commoners and and won't allow her to play with the village children. So Caroline sneaks out to meet Dierdre and Jeremy.
Dierdre believes in fairies and the like and she hopes to find them on May Eve. She asks Miss Potter to accompany them, along with Rascal, the Jack Russell terrier.
In addition to the fairy- hunting, Miss Potter is occupied with the rats that have overrun Hill Top Farm, thanks to the lazy cat who lives there. Plus, a local landowner, Major Kittredge, has married and there is some mystery about his wife. And the vicar is plagued by visitors who have worn out their welcome.
Miss Potter seems to be on hand at the right time to help resolve all these problems.
As I've said before, these books are so charming and restful - I just love reading them as a break from more serious fare.
August 10, 2018
With this third book of the series, the author is definitely finding her voice for this series. I've never read anything else (yet) by Susan Wittig Albert, but she's developing a distinctive voice for this particular series that strongly reflects British literature of the late 19th/early 20th century - which is very appropriate, since that is the setting for these stories.
This book felt a little different from the previous two because of the stronger fairy-tale element. The animals (which are characters in their own rights and often have whole chapters devoted to their adventures) played a stronger role in this book. Not only was more page-time devoted to the animals, but the animal characters had a greater influence on the humans' lives and the overall plot than in previous books. I loved this whimsical element, and it added a stronger fairy-tale feel. It also was strongly reflective of many of Beatrix Potter's own books, in which the animal world goes unnoticed by the humans, but the animals still exert power and influence over the humans' world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries, Beatrix Potter, or historical fiction with a hint of whimsy and a fairy tale-like feel.
This book felt a little different from the previous two because of the stronger fairy-tale element. The animals (which are characters in their own rights and often have whole chapters devoted to their adventures) played a stronger role in this book. Not only was more page-time devoted to the animals, but the animal characters had a greater influence on the humans' lives and the overall plot than in previous books. I loved this whimsical element, and it added a stronger fairy-tale feel. It also was strongly reflective of many of Beatrix Potter's own books, in which the animal world goes unnoticed by the humans, but the animals still exert power and influence over the humans' world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries, Beatrix Potter, or historical fiction with a hint of whimsy and a fairy tale-like feel.
September 6, 2020
I had REALLY mixed feelings about this book. In some ways I would say it is a 5-star book and in others a 2-star book.
The book is well-written and plotted (and edited, too) and I am crazy about the idea of the real person Beatrix Potter becoming a fictional amateur detective.
I am less enthusiastic about talking animals but at least in this book they talk only among themselves (sort of like the adults in Peanuts cartoons) and not to humans. What I really hated in this book was animals who were wearing clothes, falling in with a bad crowd, drinking at pubs, and playing pool and their demise being plotted and violently carried out by other anthropomorphized animals. It was nasty in a way that did not feel in keeping with the rest of the book. Like having Miss Marple and Jack the Ripper in the same book.
The book is well-written and plotted (and edited, too) and I am crazy about the idea of the real person Beatrix Potter becoming a fictional amateur detective.
I am less enthusiastic about talking animals but at least in this book they talk only among themselves (sort of like the adults in Peanuts cartoons) and not to humans. What I really hated in this book was animals who were wearing clothes, falling in with a bad crowd, drinking at pubs, and playing pool and their demise being plotted and violently carried out by other anthropomorphized animals. It was nasty in a way that did not feel in keeping with the rest of the book. Like having Miss Marple and Jack the Ripper in the same book.
March 2, 2009
I really do like this historical thread of Wittig Albert's Beatrix Potter. It was very engaging to read and you don't have to start with the first book (I know I didn't). If you start somewhere other than book 1, you can easily catch on to what is happening since it is explained on how it happen in the first place (book 1). The sluething that is done by Miss Potter is independent from each book in the series. What I really liked was, at the end of the book, there are recipes from that time period to set out and try.
December 1, 2020
I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series, even if I'm a little embarrassed to admit it. This installment is just as cute as the previous ones, with the talking animals taking part in the action and the solution to the mystery. In this one, there is a subplot about rats in the attic at Hilltop House that would completely freak me out in real life because I HATE rats, but seems perfectly reasonable and even charming in Albert's telling.
I'm beginning to sense a pattern in the mysteries in this series, but it doesn't bother me because the mystery is just the framework to hang the rest of the story on. The final pages always have to resolve about 4-6 subplots, so the main mystery hardly takes central stage.
The characters are well drawn, and Beatrix Potter emerges as a very human, sensible, and capable person. Likewise, the setting and storylines are richly textured. All in all, this is a satisfying and cozy book to be reading in the middle of a pandemic.
I'm beginning to sense a pattern in the mysteries in this series, but it doesn't bother me because the mystery is just the framework to hang the rest of the story on. The final pages always have to resolve about 4-6 subplots, so the main mystery hardly takes central stage.
The characters are well drawn, and Beatrix Potter emerges as a very human, sensible, and capable person. Likewise, the setting and storylines are richly textured. All in all, this is a satisfying and cozy book to be reading in the middle of a pandemic.
February 27, 2021
3-* Repeat late-night listen.
Lots of talking rats and cats in this story; and, we’re introduced to the thought of some shapeshifting dwelves… (fairies) that misbehave.
Obviously, the editor missed the fact that Christopher Kittredge could not put his hands in his pockets while gazing out the window, he only has one arm.
Pshew, his new wife is a piece of work.
Extra: Bigamy
Brit Trip locations: Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey, Cumbria, England
Lots of talking rats and cats in this story; and, we’re introduced to the thought of some shapeshifting dwelves… (fairies) that misbehave.
Obviously, the editor missed the fact that Christopher Kittredge could not put his hands in his pockets while gazing out the window, he only has one arm.
Pshew, his new wife is a piece of work.
Extra: Bigamy
Brit Trip locations: Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey, Cumbria, England
January 9, 2021
Still really enjoying this series. It unfolds well and Beatrix is gradually coming into her own. This one might have faeries. Also, I begin to think that the villagers are right to suspect every new person who moves in, given the number of folks who keep turning up under assumed names for nefarious purposes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
I just love these. The mystery is definitely way back on the priorities list, and it’s more along the lines of ‘who is the Major’s new wife” , not a body in sight. But you learn a lot about Potter and the lake district.
June 21, 2019
These tales are just fun!
February 2, 2023
I love this series—-the books are the best. So cozy and wholesome, the writing is descriptive and easy to read. So charming, I will continue reading the whole series!
December 16, 2025
Better and better. Third in the series and three times is good. Miss Potter once again exposes villains and unscrupulous plots. A woman of constant admiration in her little village, by adults and children and animals. Of course.
I plan to make one or two of the recipes included in the back and always appreciate the glossary.
I plan to make one or two of the recipes included in the back and always appreciate the glossary.
July 18, 2021
So cute, a gentle, lighthearted read.
February 21, 2009
As good as the first if not better, this reminds me so much of Tolkien's Hobbit style, not the subject matter but this terrific cozy mystery is very appropriate to all ages. If you read to your children this would make an excellent choice, it'll keep you as interested in the storyline as the kids will be by the talking animals.My only problem is that I read this out of order, it seems that Fantastic Fiction listed this out of order it is really the third book in the series, The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood (2005) is in fact the 2nd. Now having obtained that from my local library I'll read that one next.
July 20, 2025
Wow. This is my favorite in this series thus far! So much packed into this one very readable and enjoyable book!
Beatrix Potter may be on her way to a romantic relationship! As may one of her very best friends in Near Sawry! However, in the meantime, there are thieves to catch, houseguests to evict, a bigamist to expose, a scholarship to endow for a brilliant yet very poor student, rats to be rid of, and last but by no means least, fairies to discover! (Do fairies really exist...?)
So glad my good friend recommended this series to me!
Beatrix Potter may be on her way to a romantic relationship! As may one of her very best friends in Near Sawry! However, in the meantime, there are thieves to catch, houseguests to evict, a bigamist to expose, a scholarship to endow for a brilliant yet very poor student, rats to be rid of, and last but by no means least, fairies to discover! (Do fairies really exist...?)
So glad my good friend recommended this series to me!
March 22, 2008
Let me just say that I have "rat phobia" and because of that I had a very hard time even finishing this book. It seemed like every chapter was full of either animals or people talking about the rat problem. It gave me the creeps. The story itself would've been interesting if I could've just concentrated on Caroline and the con game storylines, but I was too distracted by all the comments about rats in the attic, barn, and just about everywhere else.
January 19, 2015
Did not enjoy. Being generous giving it three stars.
I find the aspect of the animals talking to each other and of their trying to talk to us, enjoyable (especially since I can imagine our own animals' frustration in trying to communicate with us and not being able to do so), but I didn't at all like the plot point of fairies, elves, etc. I found that very boring.
I also enjoy the building up of romance between Beatrix Potter and Will Heelis.
I find the aspect of the animals talking to each other and of their trying to talk to us, enjoyable (especially since I can imagine our own animals' frustration in trying to communicate with us and not being able to do so), but I didn't at all like the plot point of fairies, elves, etc. I found that very boring.
I also enjoy the building up of romance between Beatrix Potter and Will Heelis.
February 18, 2009
This book is the first in the series that I read, and then I got all the rest and read them too. It really takes me back to my summers in the Lake District and makes me very homesick! I love the series. I think Ms. Albert got all the details just right. It's charming without being silly. It's well written. It's interesting. The blend of fictional and historical characters is virtually seamless.
September 3, 2008
oh dear how i love these little beatrix potter mysteries. they are so charming, such gentle reads, really lovely.
October 2, 2016
As I have said before, I really enjoy this series. They are so much fun and just a breath of fresh air.
May 10, 2024
Such a cosy read! Love the more magical part in this book, with the fairies/dwelves
January 26, 2020
Oh what a delightful series. I am so glad I found it. Yesterday I finished reading book 1. (I had already read book 2.) I have four books that I have had for years and never gotten around to reading. I piled them up next to Wise Mr. Owl and promised myself I would not read another book in any of the series I am reading till I had finished those books. So, I sat there and looked at that pile and thought of those wonderful people in Near and Far Sawery, and looked at the pile again, and packed up the dog and book 1 and headed off to the library to collect book 3. I will not read another Miss Potter mystery until I have finished at least one of the books in that pile. And I really want to try a China Baylee mystery to compare the style of writing. When I read these Tales, I feel like I am reading one of Miss Potter's "little books." (She insisted they be little so little hands could hold them!) No, I take that back. I feel like I am sitting in my chair listening to Miss Potter read the book to me. But, I have a confession to make. Although in the first two books the baddies got their just desserts and the goodies "lived happily ever after," when I overheard the witch and the toad talking at the ferry, I just had to flip towards the end of the book, just to be sure. Oh me of little faith. I originally gave this book 4 stars, but changed it to 5 because the writing and style are so wonderful. Here is just one example: "There is, after all, a limit to the things we can know (even if we are fortunate enough to be geniuses), but no limits whatsoever to the things we might imagine. And if we cannot imagine, we will never know what we have yet to learn, for imagination shows us what is possible before knowledge leads us to what is true." If you believe in magic, if you shouted "I believe" to Peter Pan, if you savored those "little books," this is a book for you. But if you are a Mr. Banks, "Go fly a kite!"
March 30, 2018
BK 3:, of The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter.
When Beatrix returns to The Lake District she finds Hill Top Farm over run by rats, Major Kittredge has returned from the Boer Wars missing an arm and an eye, but with a vividly painted, red-haired wife ( sure sign of a witch),there are rumors of villas being built along the shores of Lake Windermere, the Vicar has two unknown greedy relatives mouching at the vicarage for months, and Miss Potter overhears several conversations that reveal the true identity and nefarious plans of several characters. The Fairies come to the aid of Jeremy Crosfield with the help of Miss Potter and the animals of Sawrey. Ridgley Rat’s advertisement for cats to rid Hill Top Farm of it’s infestation seems to get out of hand, but his love of literature and Miss Potter’s The Roly Poly Pudding provides a solution just in time.
When Beatrix returns to The Lake District she finds Hill Top Farm over run by rats, Major Kittredge has returned from the Boer Wars missing an arm and an eye, but with a vividly painted, red-haired wife ( sure sign of a witch),there are rumors of villas being built along the shores of Lake Windermere, the Vicar has two unknown greedy relatives mouching at the vicarage for months, and Miss Potter overhears several conversations that reveal the true identity and nefarious plans of several characters. The Fairies come to the aid of Jeremy Crosfield with the help of Miss Potter and the animals of Sawrey. Ridgley Rat’s advertisement for cats to rid Hill Top Farm of it’s infestation seems to get out of hand, but his love of literature and Miss Potter’s The Roly Poly Pudding provides a solution just in time.
June 16, 2019
Challenges: RRRCs April 2019 - Zoo Lovers' Day; animal on cover/featured in story (7); and, Create Your Own Readathon/Stacking the Series/Primary List, Level 7, Book 3. Beatrix Potter visits her Hill Top Farm for a fortnight and helps the village avert several unpleasant happenings. With the help of a Jack Russell terrier, and an owl and badger, three children have a magical May Day Eve. Several budding romances also develop. This is the dearest series whereby Beatrix Potter brings her unique abilities to Far and Near Sawrey to solve crimes of various sorts. Refreshing that it is not always murder.
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