THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT by BEATRIX POTTER

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Potter, Beatrix. 1866. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. by David Jorgenson. S. Norwalk, Conn.: ABDO Publishing Company. ISBN 9781599613130

PLOT SUMMARY

This story is a tale about Peter, a naughty rabbit, who goes against his mother’s wishes and picks at Mr. McGregor’s garden.  Despite Mr. McGregor’s attempts to catch him, Peter is able to get away.  Exhausted from his escape, Peter Rabbit went to bed without dinner while his three siblings enjoyed a bread, milk, and blackberries. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Potter’s children’s story has a simple and easy-to-understand plot.  Though the story line is uncomplicated, Potter sets up and introduces the conflict immediately.  Written for young readers, the conflict is age-appropriate and Peter’s efforts are able to get him home safely.  The simple and light pencil drawings portray a gentleness of the story.  The colors and lines are pleasant and their design illustrates sweetness in the midst of the conflict.  Though this story was written almost 150 years ago, the characters, setting, and plot are still relevant and applicable to all ages. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

GOOD READS – “The quintessential cautionary tale, Peter Rabbit warns naughty children about the grave consequences of misbehaving.”

KIDS BOOK REVIEW – “With Beatrix Potter’s beautiful fluid text, timeless illustrations and mischievous hero – this book is as charming as ever.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have students create a paper puppet of a bunny.

*Compare the story to THE STORY ABOUT PING or other Potter stories such as TALE OF TWO BAD MICE.