The True Story of Peter Rabbit: How a Letter From Beatrix Potter Became a Beloved Children's Classic

by Jane Johnson (Illustrator)

Young Noel loves the visits from family friend Beatrix Potter. She always brings something wonderful—from toys and gifts to real mice and rabbits that the children can play with. But then Miss Potter goes away, and Noel falls ill. He lies in bed all summer, too sick to do anything. Until a fat envelope arrives. Noel tears it open, eager for news from Miss Potter. But it’s better than news—it’s a story! A story of a naughty but lovable little rabbit, brought to life with wonderful illustrations. Noel reads it again and again, and before long, he’s well and eagerly awaiting Miss Potter’s return. It is this story—originally written over a hundred years ago to cheer a special young friend—that became The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and has charmed millions of readers all over the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, British Literature, History

40 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this absolutely delightful picture-book from British children's author Jane Johnson, the story of Beatrix Potter's friendship with the Moore family - and particularly with young Noel, the eldest of the Moore children - and the role this friendship played in the creation of her beloved classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit , is set out in an immensely engaging way. A frequent visitor to the household, where she entertained the children with her tales, and with her pet rabbit and mice, Potter originally included the Peter Rabbit story in a letter sent to Noel, when he was convalescing from a long illness. It was only later that it was published to such acclaim...

Beautifully laid out, with wide white borders around the attractive artwork, and simply told, My Dear Noel is a book that will have immense appeal, both for the young reader who loves Beatrix Potter's work, and wants to learn more about it, and for the child who is unfamiliar with it, but enjoys family stories set in other eras. An engaging tale that manages to be informative without being didactic, it certainly deserves to be better known than it is! I'm at a loss to understand the paucity of online reviews for it, but in any case, it is one I recommend highly, to all young Beatrix Potter fans, and to anyone who just enjoys a well-told story.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A revelation to young readers - the iconic books were hand-written and illustrated gifts to the author's young friends long before they were published. This is a beautifully illustrated picture book conveying how the famous books came to be.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, the Moore family enjoyed frequent visits from Miss Potter. She brought her rabbit with her and never tired of telling the children stories. When Miss Potter must leave on a trip to Scotland, Noel becomes ill. As promised, though, Miss Potter sends a letter which is really the first story of Peter Rabbit.

[Moyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story behind Peter Rabbit. Great pictures take me back to childhood.

[Jennifer (JenIsNotaBookSnob) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little story about Beatrix Potter and the family she used to visit.

[Tim Vandenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful telling of the tale that began all the Tales of Peter Rabbit....who, as it turns out, was actually based on a real boy, named Noel!

Recommended for all Beatrix Potter fans.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful background story of how Peter Rabbit came to be. The illustrations are very detailed and told much of the story. We loved this, and would readily add it to our home library.

[Kristin Nare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest story.