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The World of Beatrix Potter #16
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
A mouse who likes her house nice and tidy has a series of unexpected and messy visitors.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1910
90 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
About the author
Beatrix Potter
3,320 books2,136 followersHelen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
January 4, 2019
My traditional start of the reading year with a Beatrix Potter tale.
The tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse, obsessed with keeping her house clean while visitors disturb her tidy house 'and without any invitation' according Mrs. Tittlemouse, such as the rather intruding toad Mr. Jackson, in search of honey... leaving large wet footmarks on the parlour floor...
Quite charming, cute, lovely drawings once again... 2019 has started!
Mrs. Tittlemouse was a most terribly tidy particular little mouse, always sweeping and dusting the soft sandy floors...
The tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse, obsessed with keeping her house clean while visitors disturb her tidy house 'and without any invitation' according Mrs. Tittlemouse, such as the rather intruding toad Mr. Jackson, in search of honey... leaving large wet footmarks on the parlour floor...
Quite charming, cute, lovely drawings once again... 2019 has started!
Mrs. Tittlemouse was a most terribly tidy particular little mouse, always sweeping and dusting the soft sandy floors...
March 6, 2019
Grumpy Mrs Tittlemouse goes around trying to keep her sprawling tunnel of a house house impossibly clean while other creatures come in and make messes. There's some drama with some bumblebees and a bizarre toad ("tiddly widdly widdly!" "bizz wizz wizz!"). And there's a big mouse party at the end.
Update: You know what? This actually grew on me a little. Something about her aggressive cleaning despite everything has gotten really funny. She yells "Get out you bold bad spider!" and bundles a spider out a window. Ha.
I've been reading these books a lot because my kid loves them. I've grown deeply sick of the gender roles in these books, but of course they're a product of the stifling era in which they written.
Update: You know what? This actually grew on me a little. Something about her aggressive cleaning despite everything has gotten really funny. She yells "Get out you bold bad spider!" and bundles a spider out a window. Ha.
I've been reading these books a lot because my kid loves them. I've grown deeply sick of the gender roles in these books, but of course they're a product of the stifling era in which they written.
February 18, 2020
i don't think i would be happy if i found a wet toad in my house either
January 21, 2021
5* (21.1.2021-21.1.2021)
This is still just as good upon rereading as the first time around, of not better, actually; if I could, I would definitely give it even more stars!
I don't really have any more useful thoughts to add onto this; it was a reaffirmative pleasure read, not necessarily one where I'd have wanted to explore some aspect of the story more... maybe some other reread.
***
5* (9.11.2020-9.11.2020)
Wow. I am speechless.
Seriously, I can't begin to describe how incredibly impressive this story is - but what I can do is tell you to immediately go read it, it's very short and easy to find online. I don't think I've ever read a more gripping, accurate description of a slow descent into madness; the only thing that comes even remotely close is Die Verwandlung by Frank Kafka, but it completely lacks the element of female suffering, the fight for control over your own body. Drop everything, now, and go read it!!!
This is still just as good upon rereading as the first time around, of not better, actually; if I could, I would definitely give it even more stars!
I don't really have any more useful thoughts to add onto this; it was a reaffirmative pleasure read, not necessarily one where I'd have wanted to explore some aspect of the story more... maybe some other reread.
***
5* (9.11.2020-9.11.2020)
Wow. I am speechless.
Seriously, I can't begin to describe how incredibly impressive this story is - but what I can do is tell you to immediately go read it, it's very short and easy to find online. I don't think I've ever read a more gripping, accurate description of a slow descent into madness; the only thing that comes even remotely close is Die Verwandlung by Frank Kafka, but it completely lacks the element of female suffering, the fight for control over your own body. Drop everything, now, and go read it!!!
May 1, 2018
Mrs. Tittlemouse is definitely a neat freak, and probably suffers from OCD, but then again, she does have some pretty intrusive neighbours. Look at Mr. Jackson, the toad. He shows up, wet feet and all, repeating "tiddly, widdly, widdly", nonsense and then demands what may be the last of Mrs. Tittlemouse's honey, which when she tries to deny having any he tells her that he can smell the honey, and it was the precise reason for his visit. He then takes it upon himself to thoroughly search her home. I can't say I blame her for making the door too small for him to waddle through!
July 11, 2017
This story was cool. She has some great pictures of bugs: beetles, spiders, ladybugs, etc. The niblings loved this story. Mrs. Tittlemouse is a neat-freak. She needs her house clean and those bugs are dirty. I think this is a story about OCD. She needs some help. She cleaned her house for a fortnight or 15 days. That is insanity. Beautiful artwork and I think this was is special
November 13, 2021
Wow .... I didn't realise this was such a classic. Whilst short it certainly packs a punch. Interesting to note that it was semi biographical as it shows a woman's dark descent into madness following the birth of her child and the author herself suffered from post partum psychosis.
December 10, 2022
A lovely story about a very house-proud, wood-mouse, who struggles to keep her house tidy when visited by other animals and insects. Some wonderful onomatopoeic sentences, and the trademark exceptional illustrations.
Read
January 10, 2021off to a strong start :~)
July 4, 2022
I had never read this book and happened upon it as I was doing some organizing. I learned that mice eat cherry pits just as I was eating some cherries from my cherry tree.
January 1, 2022
It’s a story about a mouse who always clean her house. Beautiful illustrations adds up more details to the story as always. It’s really wonderful how the author creates personalities for these little characters and make them familiar. Also there is always a lesson even if you are young or an adult reader.
December 7, 2025
This little mouse is so hard done by, no one respects her, but I do
April 2, 2020
To be honest - I like The Tale of Peter Rabbit better than this - But i loved the illustrations in this book!
It was a nice cute book for a good feel read!
It was a nice cute book for a good feel read!
April 27, 2021
Adorable! Loved it!
March 27, 2023
More Beatrix Potter joy!
These adorable little animals, while small in size, have strong personalities, charm, and flaws. They are perfect for littlies to start reading, or classics enthusiasts, or for those reminiscent of the childhood. Mrs Tittlemouse takes pride and joy in her housekeeping, but unexpected guests turn her home into a mess (She’s the Monica Gellar of Potter’s animal-world). The little mouse is courteous but firm when having to defend her home. Beatrix Potter makes her creatures have relatable human qualities, and the ability to teach young ones morals in a sweet and simple form.
I really love the inclusion of the home aspect, and that home is a persons’ (or animals) sanctuary. I know it certainly is for me. It makes you appreciate taking pride and pleasure in your home. The illustrations are always beautiful and charming.
Another classic tail (ha, get it?) to endure throughout time. Mrs Tittlemouse provides a short story that is full of comfort and delight.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CePVH58PRba/
These adorable little animals, while small in size, have strong personalities, charm, and flaws. They are perfect for littlies to start reading, or classics enthusiasts, or for those reminiscent of the childhood. Mrs Tittlemouse takes pride and joy in her housekeeping, but unexpected guests turn her home into a mess (She’s the Monica Gellar of Potter’s animal-world). The little mouse is courteous but firm when having to defend her home. Beatrix Potter makes her creatures have relatable human qualities, and the ability to teach young ones morals in a sweet and simple form.
I really love the inclusion of the home aspect, and that home is a persons’ (or animals) sanctuary. I know it certainly is for me. It makes you appreciate taking pride and pleasure in your home. The illustrations are always beautiful and charming.
Another classic tail (ha, get it?) to endure throughout time. Mrs Tittlemouse provides a short story that is full of comfort and delight.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CePVH58PRba/
August 12, 2021
Mrs. Tittlemouse, a character we met in the previous book (The Flopsy Bunnies), is now the main focus of this book. It is a cute story, but I do feel like there is a darker sub tone to it.
As Mrs. Tittlemouse is a neat freak, she doesn't really want to have guest. Yet she is invaded - that is the right word in this instance - by various insects and critters, even Mr. Jackson the neighbour toad makes a mess in her home. However, he does manages to shoo away the unwanted bugs, only to be left out -ish, when Mrs. Tittlemouse hosts a party.
Not much more, only that one should or would take pride in domestic chores and cleanliness.
As Mrs. Tittlemouse is a neat freak, she doesn't really want to have guest. Yet she is invaded - that is the right word in this instance - by various insects and critters, even Mr. Jackson the neighbour toad makes a mess in her home. However, he does manages to shoo away the unwanted bugs, only to be left out -ish, when Mrs. Tittlemouse hosts a party.
Not much more, only that one should or would take pride in domestic chores and cleanliness.
December 10, 2018
Mrs. Tittlemouse cleans her home while a sort of bestiary of uninvited insect (and other) guests are introduced. Equally interesting is the mysterious lack of information about Mr. Tittlemouse. Readers sensitive to depictions of insects might be disturbed by the detailed images in this book. Readers seeking a story about regular frustrations of cleaning and other domestic work should be entertained.
May 31, 2019
Book 16 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019
Poor Mrs Tittlemouse a gentle soul always busy cleaning her home but often interupted by uninvited guests. Beautifully illustrated and once again a timeless childrens classic.
Poor Mrs Tittlemouse a gentle soul always busy cleaning her home but often interupted by uninvited guests. Beautifully illustrated and once again a timeless childrens classic.
September 27, 2018
I truly don't get the point of this story.
January 9, 2020
I get a sense of the personality of Mrs Tittlemouse by some pictures and choice words. Concise.
Doesn't Mrs' T's bedroom look oh so cosy?
Doesn't Mrs' T's bedroom look oh so cosy?
August 13, 2024
monisimo🥺
June 24, 2025
it's always the bees
October 28, 2025
Another darling story by Beatrix Potter! I love how she writes, it's always very nostalgic and cozy! Definitely a great read📚
August 6, 2022
This tale has more amazing illustrations. Not precisely my thing, but still fun to read, I guess.
February 27, 2020
Baca ini teringat dengan Mama dan Bou yang super pembersih. Percis kayak bu Tittlemouse😂
November 29, 2025
Babbity Bumble indeed.
April 24, 2024
من کتاب چاپ انتشارات قدیانی _کتابهای بنفشه_رو داشتم .
داستان خانم موش تنها و تمیزی که یه عالمه مهمان ناخوانده بدون اجازه وارد خونه اش میشدن و ناراحت ش میکردن.
داستان بدی نبود اما کمی ضعیف کار شده بود به نظر من .
داستان خانم موش تنها و تمیزی که یه عالمه مهمان ناخوانده بدون اجازه وارد خونه اش میشدن و ناراحت ش میکردن.
داستان بدی نبود اما کمی ضعیف کار شده بود به نظر من .
October 17, 2015
Mrs Thomasina Tittlemouse, a wood-mouse, lived in a funny house with yards of sandy passages among the roots of a hedge. She had a kitchen, a parlour, a pantry, a larder and she slept in a little box bed in her bedroom.
She was a very tidy mouse but her world was regularly disturbed by the number of visitors she had. Beetles lost their way in the passages, a ladybird often visited her, a big fat spider occasionally called thinking that she was at Miss Muffet's house and a bumble bee and his friends would regularly fly in through the window.
The bumble bees wanted to establish a home with Mrs T but she would not have it ; nor would she have Mr Jackson, a toad who lived in a drain below the hedge, as a lodger. But one day she returned home from shopping to find Mr J sitting with his feet on her fender.
Mrs T humoured him and gave him some food but he was messy and Mrs T had to follow him around with a dish cloth to wipe his large footmarks off the parlour floor. Eventually, after Mr J had caused havoc in the tidy house, Mrs T said, 'Get out, you nasty old toad. I shall go distracted.'
She won the day and he left after which she spent two weeks spring cleaning before, with her house nicely back in order she invited five other little mice to a party. Mr J was unable to get in for Mrs T had boarded up the door to make entry for him impossible but, out of the kindness of her heart, she handed him out of the window acorn cupfuls of honeydew.
The generous Mr J replied with, 'Tiddly, widdly widdly! Your very good health Mrs Tittlemouse!' And thereafter her tidy life in her spotless home continued happily.
She was a very tidy mouse but her world was regularly disturbed by the number of visitors she had. Beetles lost their way in the passages, a ladybird often visited her, a big fat spider occasionally called thinking that she was at Miss Muffet's house and a bumble bee and his friends would regularly fly in through the window.
The bumble bees wanted to establish a home with Mrs T but she would not have it ; nor would she have Mr Jackson, a toad who lived in a drain below the hedge, as a lodger. But one day she returned home from shopping to find Mr J sitting with his feet on her fender.
Mrs T humoured him and gave him some food but he was messy and Mrs T had to follow him around with a dish cloth to wipe his large footmarks off the parlour floor. Eventually, after Mr J had caused havoc in the tidy house, Mrs T said, 'Get out, you nasty old toad. I shall go distracted.'
She won the day and he left after which she spent two weeks spring cleaning before, with her house nicely back in order she invited five other little mice to a party. Mr J was unable to get in for Mrs T had boarded up the door to make entry for him impossible but, out of the kindness of her heart, she handed him out of the window acorn cupfuls of honeydew.
The generous Mr J replied with, 'Tiddly, widdly widdly! Your very good health Mrs Tittlemouse!' And thereafter her tidy life in her spotless home continued happily.
March 14, 2016
Mrs. Tittlemouse lives in a cute little house that she keeps very clean. She is disturbed by a lot of visitors and she is very upset since she cannot keep her home clean. The bumble bees thinks that she has a very nice home wants to live with her. She wants no part of that. When she gets home she finds Mr. Jackson with his feet up in her home. She is very upset so makes the entrance of her home narrower so Mr. Jackson can not come in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews