The Knot Squirrel Tied

Tales of the Little Grey Rabbit #8

by Alison Uttley, Margaret Tempest

Little Grey Rabbit is one of the classic gems of children's literature. The series is being relaunched, tying in with a new, beautifully animated television adaptation, and will delight children as much today as when it was first published seventy years ago. As a punishment for stealing food from Grey Rabbit's house, Squirrel tied a knot in Rat's tail. Now, he is reminded of his wickedness wherever he goes and can no longer poach or thieve or hunt as a rat must to survive! What can Rat do to free himself? Wise Owl advises him to turn over a new leaf -- to work honestly instead of thieving for a living. And so a penitent Rat goes about helping his neighbours where he can, and though surrounded by temptation, he feels his tail loosen and his heart grow lighter with every good, unselfish deed. Rat is reformed and respectable -- and a sought after carver.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

Alison Uttley (17 December 1884 – 7 May 1976), née Alice Jane Taylor, was a prolific British writer of over 100 books. She is now best known for her children's series about Little Grey Rabbit, and Sam Pig.

For more information, please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_U...

http://www.answers.com/topic/alison-u...

Reviews

[Illiterate]

A tale of redemption through work. I didn’t like it as a child. I still don’t.

[Marie-Clare]

Morality tale (and sequel to Squirrel Goes Skating) in which Rat learns the value of work over theft. Beautiful illustrations and lush country-side detail offset this somewhat doctrinaire message.

[LobsterQuadrille]

3.5 stars

Cute little redemption story! I liked that Rat found that he had a useful talent.