What do you think?
Rate this book
The World of Beatrix Potter #21
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
Do you ever feel that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? Well, so did Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy Willie. One was a town mouse and one was a country mouse, and when they end up in each other's worlds they soon discover that they were much happier where they started! The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse is number 13 in Beatrix Potter's series of 23 little books, the titles of which are as 1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit 2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin 3 The Tailor of Gloucester 4 The Tale of Benjamin Bunny 5 The Tale of Two Bad Mice 6 The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle 7 The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher 8 The Tale of Tom Kitten 9 The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck 10 The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies 11 The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse 12 The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes 13 The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse 14 The Tale of Mr. Tod 15 The Tale of Pigling Bland 16 The Tale of Samuel Whiskers 17 The Tale of The Pie and the Patty-Pan 18 The Tale of Ginger and Pickles 19 The Tale of Little Pig Robinson 20 The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit 21 The Story of Miss Moppet 22 Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes 23 Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes
58 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1918
21 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Beatrix Potter
3,360 books2,143 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 5, 2018
It has become a new year tradition for me: start the year with a Beatrix Potter tale. This year, the tale is about Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy-Willie the country mouse who visit each other's home, concluding they like their home best, the town for Johnny and the country for Timmy-Willie.
One of the most beautiful Potter picture books. Delightful.
One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I refer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie....
One of the most beautiful Potter picture books. Delightful.
One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I refer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie....
February 16, 2017
One place suits one person, another place suits another person.The whole story is summed up in this quote.
Illustrations were very good. And the writing was also good and straight forward. This story was a very delightful read for me. (^_^) But I would highly recommend this to children.
February 14, 2017
![Profile Image for [ J o ].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1673171874i%2F4639825._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 23, 2019
"One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie."
Much like Timmy and Beatrix, I am country through and through. This little tale is probably the most developed in terms of saying something, which is that some people just like different things to you, get over it.
The illustrations didn't seem to add as much as usual with this one, though I cannot get over mice in waistcoats. Whilst before, it always felt like the story came after the illustrations, with this it felt more like the other way around and that the illustrations were forced to fit.
Much like Timmy and Beatrix, I am country through and through. This little tale is probably the most developed in terms of saying something, which is that some people just like different things to you, get over it.
The illustrations didn't seem to add as much as usual with this one, though I cannot get over mice in waistcoats. Whilst before, it always felt like the story came after the illustrations, with this it felt more like the other way around and that the illustrations were forced to fit.
July 25, 2017
I don't know which came first, this or 'Town Mouse, Country Mouse', regardless, this is a similar story. Beatrix is losing her eyesight by this time it says. I think some of these pictures are my favorite. It is so beautiful. I even like the story. Johnny Town-Mouse and his friends are so aristocratic. I like that he is willing to go to the country and see where Willie lives. The kids seemed to like this story a lot too. "Again, again" was the chorus. This is worth a read.
March 26, 2024
4 stars. First off, this book has some of my favourite Beatrix Potter illustrations: the mice and birds in the garden. MY HEART. I have always thought, however, that this should be the tale of Timmy Willy… but perhaps Timmy doesn’t have enough tail. ;) Anyhow, it’s a super cute story and I feel like its one of the more forgotten ones? It’s humorous and sweet and very Victorian… just delightful. <3
February 18, 2020
i too prefer to live in the country,like timmy willie.
November 11, 2020
I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku:
"There's no catch-all sketch,
Each has their preferences
That make their dream home."
"There's no catch-all sketch,
Each has their preferences
That make their dream home."
June 12, 2018
A country mouse and city mouse story.
August 1, 2022
A sweet tale with a good message. I like this one a lot.
March 3, 2021
My 6yo liked it and gave it four stars, but I thought it was the least worthy version of “town louse, country mouse” we’ve ever read. (Jane brett’s version is our favorite!)
Rarely have I come across a Beatrix potter story I’ve liked, though.
Rarely have I come across a Beatrix potter story I’ve liked, though.
April 5, 2012
I guess this one was really personal for Beatrix Potter. Seems like she wanted the world to know that she liked the way she lived and the classic parable "to each his own".
The story is of Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy Willie, the country mouse. Timmy Willie accidentally reaches the town and is heartily welcomed by Johnny and his entourage. In the town the customs, food and even the sounds are all different. This makes the country mouse nervous and sick.
Timmy decides to return for good and after some time is visited by Johnny. Walking with his hand in his tail to not to get it all muddy.
Just like the predicament of Timmy Willie, Johnny has to leave for his city too.
Potter ends the story with these lines "One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie."
If I had the choice I would prefer it too, only if the village had WiFi! :D
The story is of Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy Willie, the country mouse. Timmy Willie accidentally reaches the town and is heartily welcomed by Johnny and his entourage. In the town the customs, food and even the sounds are all different. This makes the country mouse nervous and sick.
Timmy decides to return for good and after some time is visited by Johnny. Walking with his hand in his tail to not to get it all muddy.
Just like the predicament of Timmy Willie, Johnny has to leave for his city too.
Potter ends the story with these lines "One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie."
If I had the choice I would prefer it too, only if the village had WiFi! :D
January 19, 2015
One place suits one person, another place suits another person.
December 25, 2016
"One place suits one person; another place suits another person. For my part, I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie."
Me too, Beatrix, me too.
Me too, Beatrix, me too.
December 20, 2022
A country mouse, Timmy Willie, sneaks into a food hamper to steal some food, and is taken into town, where he is out of his comfort zone and scared. Inadvertently gate-crashing a mouse party when being chased by a cat, he meets town mouse, Johnny, and his friends and has a meal full of unfamiliar delicacies scavenged from the human kitchen above. Timmy is amazed – and alarmed – at how his new friends live so close to the cat, and longs for his “home in his peaceful nest on a sunny bank” . He regales Johnny with tales of his life in the country, and Johnny tells him he can get home in the same hamper he arrived in, when it returns empty each week. Next year Johnny comes to visit Timmy in the country, and is terrified by all the unfamiliar sounds, but finds the countryside too quiet for him, and returns to the town with its dangers and excitements via the next hamper.
Personally, I love to live in the city – and visit the country – and try as many strange foods as possible.
“One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I prefer to live in the country like Timmy Willie”
Personally, I love to live in the city – and visit the country – and try as many strange foods as possible.
June 6, 2022
LOVE ITT!! i just got it today as a birthday gift and couldnt resist reading it. I am timmy willie and timmy willie is me. i couldnt stop laughing in the part where johnny town-mouse calls him Timothy William, it so pretentious of him.
July 9, 2020
The first time I read it I really didn’t understand the plot (it’s getting late, and my mind is a bit fuzzy). But the last line made me read it again.
“One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie.”
This quote struck me because even though I had been reading passively, it was the first time first-person narrative was used in the entire story. THE LAST LINE.
The tale is about two mice: one (johnnie town-mouse) who prefers living in urban areas while the other (timmy willie) likes his countryside rural district. They both try out each other’s lifestyles and eventually come to the conclusion that it’s natural for differences in opinion to occur.
But if the story is about mice, then why does the last line not say “one place suits one MOUSE, another place suits another MOUSE.” And since when do we care about you, Beatrix Potter, why do you we want to hear about “your part?” Is this a fucking memoir about your life as a nature-loving country boy? I’m here to read a story about mice and i am NOT here for your selfish nonsense, making a beautifully crafted story all about you.
In the end, the story is rich with plot, and despite the atrocity of the story’s end, it maintains enough quality to merit at least 3 stars, maybe 4 on a more forgiving day.
“One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part, I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie.”
This quote struck me because even though I had been reading passively, it was the first time first-person narrative was used in the entire story. THE LAST LINE.
The tale is about two mice: one (johnnie town-mouse) who prefers living in urban areas while the other (timmy willie) likes his countryside rural district. They both try out each other’s lifestyles and eventually come to the conclusion that it’s natural for differences in opinion to occur.
But if the story is about mice, then why does the last line not say “one place suits one MOUSE, another place suits another MOUSE.” And since when do we care about you, Beatrix Potter, why do you we want to hear about “your part?” Is this a fucking memoir about your life as a nature-loving country boy? I’m here to read a story about mice and i am NOT here for your selfish nonsense, making a beautifully crafted story all about you.
In the end, the story is rich with plot, and despite the atrocity of the story’s end, it maintains enough quality to merit at least 3 stars, maybe 4 on a more forgiving day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
Underdeveloped plot. The main theme - that different people like living in different places, and that’s okay - needed to be teased out with more tension. Little Timmy Willie needed a closer run in with a cat, or Johnny town mouse a cow. The end came - no less than 46 pages after the beginning - and we were left wondering what even happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2014
Sweet story of what it's like to live in town vs. country. I really liked how Potter drew the mice so differently (I should know, I catch both kids all the time in my walls!) Also, I'm with Timmy, the city was too noisey and scary, plus, lots of mice deaths...
February 15, 2023
Really cute and smart mini tale, I enjoyed reading it. Over-cute and beautiful draws :) Recommending!
---
Наистина сладка и поучителна мини история, наслаждавах се на четенето. Изключително сладки и красиви илюстрации :) Препоръчвам!
---
Наистина сладка и поучителна мини история, наслаждавах се на четенето. Изключително сладки и красиви илюстрации :) Препоръчвам!
February 15, 2017
One place suits one person, another place suits another person.
June 3, 2018
A cute little classic tale akin to "City Mouse, Country Mouse".
September 8, 2025
یه کتاب همراه با ماجراجویی و حس آرامش متقابل
خواندن این کتاب ، تجربه ی خوانش دو فضای متفاوت را همزمان بهت میده .
و دو حس متناقض رو از زندگی در محیط های متفاوت تجریه میکنی و درک میکنی که محیط زندگی چقدر میتونه در روحیات و رفتار تاثیرگذار باشه .
قصه ی دو موش ، یکی شهری و یکی روستایی که خیلی اتفاقی با هم آشنا و دوست میشن و زندگی های همدیگه رو تجربه میکنن .
.
.
قسمتی از کتاب :
** وقتی باران ببارد توی سوراخ شنی کوچکم می نشینم
و دانه هایی را که برای پاییز ذخیره کرده ام پوست میکنم و میخورم از سوراخم به توکاها و باسترکهایی که توی چمنزار هستند ، نگاه میکنم و با آنها حرف میزنم همین طور با دوستم سینه سرخ .
خورشید که طلوع میکند باید بیایی و باغ و گلهای مرا ببینی... گلهای سرخ و صورتی و بنفشه ها.... هیچ سروصدایی هم نیست به جز صدای پرنده ها و زنبورها و بره هایی که در علفزار هستند.**
.
.
*** تیمی ویلی آرزو کرد در خانه اش باشد؛ در لانه ی امن خودش و کنار برکه ی آفتابی غذاها با او سازگار نبود سروصدا نمی گذاشت بخوابد. بعد از چند روز آن قدر لاغر شده بود که جانی موش شهری متوجه شد و حالش را پرسید.***
خواندن این کتاب ، تجربه ی خوانش دو فضای متفاوت را همزمان بهت میده .
و دو حس متناقض رو از زندگی در محیط های متفاوت تجریه میکنی و درک میکنی که محیط زندگی چقدر میتونه در روحیات و رفتار تاثیرگذار باشه .
قصه ی دو موش ، یکی شهری و یکی روستایی که خیلی اتفاقی با هم آشنا و دوست میشن و زندگی های همدیگه رو تجربه میکنن .
.
.
قسمتی از کتاب :
** وقتی باران ببارد توی سوراخ شنی کوچکم می نشینم
و دانه هایی را که برای پاییز ذخیره کرده ام پوست میکنم و میخورم از سوراخم به توکاها و باسترکهایی که توی چمنزار هستند ، نگاه میکنم و با آنها حرف میزنم همین طور با دوستم سینه سرخ .
خورشید که طلوع میکند باید بیایی و باغ و گلهای مرا ببینی... گلهای سرخ و صورتی و بنفشه ها.... هیچ سروصدایی هم نیست به جز صدای پرنده ها و زنبورها و بره هایی که در علفزار هستند.**
.
.
*** تیمی ویلی آرزو کرد در خانه اش باشد؛ در لانه ی امن خودش و کنار برکه ی آفتابی غذاها با او سازگار نبود سروصدا نمی گذاشت بخوابد. بعد از چند روز آن قدر لاغر شده بود که جانی موش شهری متوجه شد و حالش را پرسید.***
December 31, 2023
Це, мабуть, поки що найулюбленіша моя історія від Поттер! Різниця в способах життя миші-житника та хатньої миші показана так елегантно і по-доброму, а фінальна фраза западає в саме серденько. Чарівно!
August 4, 2021
Nice one!
One place suits one person, another place suits another person
June 9, 2022
Ooh, this is a goodie! It’s number 13 in the series, but don’t let the unlucky cataloging stop you from getting to this tale.
Ages: 3 - 8
Ages: 3 - 8
October 20, 2022
Such a cute little story with a wonderful message
December 30, 2023
"One place suits one person, another place suits another person."
This was cute. It's about a mouse who loves living in the city and a mouse who loves living in the country.
This was cute. It's about a mouse who loves living in the city and a mouse who loves living in the country.
December 27, 2024
Illustrations were very good. And the writing was also good and straight forward. This story was a very delightful read and it reminded me of the older stories she wrote in the beginning.
April 7, 2025
That was nice with lesson for children
Loved the illustrations and story line
Loved the illustrations and story line
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews