Module 1 Book Reviews: An Introduction to Children and Their Literature

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

1. Bibliography
Potter, Beatrix. 2001. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. by Michael Hague. New York, NY: SeaStar Books. ISBN: 1587170531.

2. Plot Summary
A naughty little bunny named Peter disobeys his mother and sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Peter bungles his escape, loses his second new jacket and shoes, and ends up sick in bed while his heedful sisters enjoy a delicious dinner.

3. Critical Analysis
Beatrix Potter’s frank delivery of the tale allows for the many actions of Peter’s challenging day to be conveyed quickly and efficiently to a young reader. The no-nonsense style reflects old Mrs. Rabbit’s uncomplicated, straightforward manner in raising a difficult bunny like Peter as well as his obedient sisters. The clear message of this fantasy is that obedient children are rewarded – the sisters enjoy a dinner of bread, milk, and blackberries, while disobedience is punished – Peter becomes sick, loses his clothes, and instead of dinner must endure a dose of chamomile tea. Children love this story because of Peter’s exciting exertion of independence, the thrill of multiple narrow escapes, and a tidy ending – which finds Peter safe at home, in bed asleep, with mother at his side.

4. Review Excerpts
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “…generations have continued to enjoy this lively tale of naughtiness.”

5. Connections
Beatrix Potter wrote 23 Tales and each has reprinted over 100 times.
Some tales with Potter’s own illustrations are:
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF FLOPSY BUNNIES. ISBN-13: 9780723247777.
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN. ISBN-13: 9780723247715.
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF TOM KITTEN. ISBN-13: 9780723247791.