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The World of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit #1-23
The Complete Tales
This deluxe volume brings all of Beatrix Potter's twenty-three Peter Rabbit tales and verses together in one book. The texts are complete and unabridged, and all the original illustrations, both colour and black and white, are included. The stories are arranged in the order in which they were first published to enable them to be read in the proper sequence for, although each story stands on its own, several are linked together by events and characters.
Beatrix Potter's tales were often connected with real places, people or animals so each story has a brief introductory note about its history. The volume also includes four other works by Beatrix Potter which for one reason or another remained unpublished in her lifetime but show new facets of her talent as an illustrator and storyteller.
The world of Beatrix Potter, presented here in its entirety, is as appealing now as when it was first created over one hundred years ago.
Beatrix Potter's tales were often connected with real places, people or animals so each story has a brief introductory note about its history. The volume also includes four other works by Beatrix Potter which for one reason or another remained unpublished in her lifetime but show new facets of her talent as an illustrator and storyteller.
The world of Beatrix Potter, presented here in its entirety, is as appealing now as when it was first created over one hundred years ago.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Beatrix Potter
2,589 books1,933 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
December 9, 2020
Beatrix Potter has written so many quintessential children's stories that even now, at 26 years old, I am overwhelmed with nostaglia and delight every time I pick this book up.
Unfortunately, I could not say the feeling was shared with my reading partner.
Seriously, Squamish (my dog) was such a brat as I tried to read this one.
He's lucky that he's so cute!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
"Your Father had an accident there, he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregorWhewww ... Beatrix Potter certainly didn't pull any punches. In this classic tale, Peter Rabbit (the naughty child) steals int Mr. McGregor's garden and filches all sorts of vegetables. Personally, if my husband was put into a pie, I would move out of their neighborhood...but it was a different time.
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
This is a tale about a tail - a tail that belonged to a little red squirrel, and his name was Nutkin.The red squirrels visit an old, wise owl and Nutkin decides to act out and torment the poor owl. He's going to learn one very valuable lesson.
The Tailor of Gloucester
But although he sewed fine silk for his neighbours, he himself was very, very poor...An old tailor is about to lose everything...but the mice family may have a thing or two to do about it.
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
...little Benjamin Bunny slid down into the road, and set off - with a hop, skip and a jump...Benjamin Bunny discovers the trouble his cousin (Peter Rabbit) got into. So the two of them devise a sneaky plan...
The Tale of Two Bad Mice
Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca went upstairs and peeped into the dining-room. Then they squeaked with joy!The nearby mice decide to check out the dollhouse. They cause quite a bit of mischief but decide to make things right in their own way.
The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
She was a good little girl - only she was always losing her pocket-handkerchiefs!One lost handkerchief leads young Lucie on a whirlwind adventure and finds a pocket-handkin...which is the same??
The Tale of The Pie and The Patty-Pan
Once upon a time there was a Pussy-cat called Ribby, who invited a little dog called Duchess, to tea.Not many people would see the two of them as fast friends - but they are...however their diets may be an issue. Soon Duchess will have a scare of a lifetime.
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
...he lived in a little damp house amongst the buttercups at the edge of a pond.Mr. Jeremy Fisher is a saucy fella with an empty belly. There's a problem that arises when the food could hunt you!
The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit
The bad Rabbit would like some carrot.For those who think that Peter Rabbit was too sweet - here is truly a bad bunny!
He Doesn't say "Please."
He takes it!
The Story of Miss Moppet
This is the Mouse peeping out behind the cupboard, and making fun of Miss Moppet. He is not afraid of a kitten.A mischievous mouse and a curious kitten have a battle of wits - who will win?
The Tale of Tom Kitten
"Now keep your frocks clean, children! You must walk on your hind legs."Tom Kitten is quite possibly the sassiest kitten. When his mother's friends come to tea...well...let's just say he has a few plans of his own.
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
She tried to hide her eggs; bit they were always found and carried off.Jemima Puddle-Duck wants only to raise her eggs away from the meddling influence of the humans. A "kind" fox helps her out - only she needs to learn how to be a bit judicious with her trust.
The Tale of Samuel Whiskers or The Roly-Poly Pudding
Oh, dear me, Cousin Ribby - now Moppet and Mittens are gone!Troublesome kittens, mischief being managed, and a couple of mean rats making trouble - what else could possibly go wrong!?
The Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies
They had a large family, and they were very improvident and cheerful.Eating food, going on adventures and teasing Mr. McGregor - this family has it all.
The Tale of Ginger and Pickles
They did accounts. They added up sums and sums, and sums.Ginger and Pickles run a convenience store - only running a store ends up being far more difficult than they imaged.
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
Mrs. Tittlemouse was a most terribly tidy particular little mouse, always sweeping and dusting the soft sandy floors.A little fussy mouse must deal with a greedy, messy frog.
The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes
While Timmy was confined to bed, it 'ticed him him to eat quantities...A fat squirrel and a thin chipmunk have quite a fun adventure.
The Tale of Mr. Tod
Nobody could call Mr. Tod "nice."A family of young rabbits go missing and all signs point to Mr. Tod. Will they be saved in time? Or will Mr. Tod get his way?
The Tale of Pigling Bland
He glanced wistfully along the road towards the hills, and then set off walking obediently the other way.Eight piglets means many mouths to feed. Their poor mother is at her wits end when Pigling Bland decides to go on an adventure.
Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes
Appley Dapply has little sharp eyes,A series of fun nursery rhymes with all sorts of cool and fun critters!
And Appley Dapply is so fond of pies.
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
Timmy Willie, who had lived all his life in a garden, was almost frightened to death.Based on Aesop's fable about the town and country mouse, Beatrix still manages to inject new life in this familiar tale.
Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes
Goosey, Goosey, Gander,Several tried-and-true nursery rhymes are re-imagined a la Beatrix Potter. Absolutely delightful!
Whither will you wander?
Upstairs and downstairs,
And in my lady's chamber!
The Tale of Little Pig Robinson
"Well, good day, little pig."Loosely based on seventeen-year-old Beatrix Potter's vacation on the seaside, this lovely little story follows Pig Robinson as he goes on quite the adventure!
Three Little Mice
Three little mice sat down to spin.An extremely short story, among Potter's earliest works. Her distinct art style is showcased splendidly.
The Sly Old Cat
This is a sly old cat, who gave a tea party to a rat.Just goes to show, no matter the era, cats and rats do NOT mix!
The Fox and the Stork
All he said was, "Tit for tat!"A selfish fox invites a gracious stork over for tea, and the stork decides to repay the favor. Mischief abound!
The Rabbits' Christmas Party
Dinner is servedA sweet but sparse tale all about rabbits and how they celebrate Christmas.
The dancing begins
Audiobook Comments
While the audiobook was rather enjoyable, it really didn't have the same pizzazz as the physical book. The illustrations brought such a beautiful dimension to the text and the book truly isn't the same without them.
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November 13, 2012
Don't let this innocent looking book fool you! It's all death and despair right from the get-go when a mother bunny relates with such nonchalant callousness the death of their father to four impressionable young rabbits. One suspects she wasn't all that sad to see the old man go. Perhaps he was beating her.
Love the fantastic illustrations! Sure they border on Kinkadian quaintness and might be too cute for their own good, but without them most of these stories quite frankly never would've been read. Beatrix Potter had a quirky writing style that was adequate most of the time, unexpectedly fun some of the time, and completely useless a time or two. If it weren't for the pictures, at least once or twice the reading would've ground to a "what huh?" halt.
If there's an over-arching theme, aside from "FUZZY BUNNIES! SQUEEEEE!!!!!", it would be that of "Thievery in the world of the common man (or mouse)". Many of Potter's stories revolve around thieving, from petty pilfering to wholesale theft on a grand scale such as in "The Tale of the Tailor of Gloucester". The focal story of the collection, and the story everyone thinks of first, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is about a young thief eluding a vindictive farmer, who creates an effigy using Peter's clothes in which "to frighten the blackbirds," a thinly veiled nod to the farmer's apparent racist attitude towards minorities. In each story the thief occasionally gets their comeuppance, other times they get away with it, and sometimes they are heralded like a Robin Hood for their acts. It's difficult to decipher Potter's stance, but it is clear the crime weighed heavily upon her mind.
NOTE: I decided to write this serious (well, semi-serious) review after realizing my original review lacked much depth and insight.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I love these stories sooooo much!
Love the fantastic illustrations! Sure they border on Kinkadian quaintness and might be too cute for their own good, but without them most of these stories quite frankly never would've been read. Beatrix Potter had a quirky writing style that was adequate most of the time, unexpectedly fun some of the time, and completely useless a time or two. If it weren't for the pictures, at least once or twice the reading would've ground to a "what huh?" halt.
If there's an over-arching theme, aside from "FUZZY BUNNIES! SQUEEEEE!!!!!", it would be that of "Thievery in the world of the common man (or mouse)". Many of Potter's stories revolve around thieving, from petty pilfering to wholesale theft on a grand scale such as in "The Tale of the Tailor of Gloucester". The focal story of the collection, and the story everyone thinks of first, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is about a young thief eluding a vindictive farmer, who creates an effigy using Peter's clothes in which "to frighten the blackbirds," a thinly veiled nod to the farmer's apparent racist attitude towards minorities. In each story the thief occasionally gets their comeuppance, other times they get away with it, and sometimes they are heralded like a Robin Hood for their acts. It's difficult to decipher Potter's stance, but it is clear the crime weighed heavily upon her mind.
NOTE: I decided to write this serious (well, semi-serious) review after realizing my original review lacked much depth and insight.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I love these stories sooooo much!
August 2, 2017
The classic stories really do stand the test of time. I've read these aloud to my children over and over. Even my 7 year old boy loves them. They love the pictures, and the stories are fun and easy to follow for all ages. I've always loved THE TALE OF TWO BAD MICE best, but my son tells me that THE TALE OF THE FLOPSY BUNNIES is best, because they're so lazy and sleepy they almost get eaten.
2017: I don't think any of the illustrations could be better than the expression on Tom Kitten's face when he puts on his clothes and they're too tight.
2017: I don't think any of the illustrations could be better than the expression on Tom Kitten's face when he puts on his clothes and they're too tight.
April 27, 2019
This was so enjoyable! I did not grow up loving these as a child, but I think that worked to these tales’ advantage for me as an adult. I so appreciated the craft of these stories having read a Beatrix Potter biography alongside it. I really liked the writing style, stories’ messages, depictions of animal behavior and illustrations, both watercolor and pen-and-ink. I will continue to treasure these stories as I read them in the future.
February 8, 2018
PRELUDE;
A few weeks ago went to see the film of the Royal Ballet dancing several Tales of Beatrix Potter. The ballet choreographed by Frederick; with music, really delightful, by John Lanchbery, was first made into a film some years ago.This recent production was filmed in the actual theatre.
There were only two of us in the movie theatre.I was sitting right at the back and was sorely tempted to get up and dance to my heart's content across the large open area behind the last row of seats. I didn't... but I did cavort round the house when I got home and played the music.
I came to Beatrix Potter late, about age 31.(It's never TOO late!!) Took a break from my job in Athens to join my Mum and Step-father in a motoring holiday around the U.K. Was reading BP's biography by Margaret Lane - an excellent one. And so of course when we hit the Lake District we ended up at her wonderful house left exactly as she had left it. Mum photographed me standing in the doorway where BP had her photo taken.(I knew because the photo was in the book!!)
Later Mum was to run around the moors on the edge of Haworth crying out "Heathcliff!!Heathcliff!!!"in a much darker literary clime. After which we got caught in a Yorkshire storm and staggered into our hotel dying of laughter, while my step-father gave us fierce disapproving looks which made us laugh all the more.(He WAS an Accountant, and I'm sure had NEVER read a Beatrix Potter!!)
So now I am going to read first the several Tales that were recreated for the ballet. And then follow up with ALL the rest. The Music was...perfect, capturing their Essence...mice and ducks and foxes etc. ALL had had their Characters and Movements interpreted with the Ideal Notes, hidden away and NOW teased out into Life !!
Ah, blisssssss!!!
MUCH LATER:
Now aged almost 62, short of a couple of weeks, I have read All the Tales in Chronological Order. And discovered that Beatrix has a Dark Side!!! (Scarey!!!)...not really, since she was a Realist, bit the bullet, had tasted
disappointment in career prospects because she was a woman; a self-taught artist, as a girl she had drawn her pet animals ; as a young woman she had copied at the Natural History Museum animals and fossils AND 300 studies of fungi, the latter still regarded as perfect copies, but rejected then as not worthy of the Museum.
So she employed HERSELF - turned her skills to writing and illustrating Children's Books !! Six publishers rejected her first book. But finally F.Warne and Co. said "YES!"
The VERY FIRST story, The Tale of Peter Rabbit", Mrs Rabbit tells her children where they may and may not go, warning them off Mr.McGregor's garden :"...your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs McGregor."(Ouch!! There goes Junior's slumberful night!) But Beatrix never wrote down to children and her openess won her fans , not failure. Her marriage to the younger Warne brother, Norman, a kindred spirit, was NEVER to take place. He died of pernicious anaemia. It was now she bought herself a farm in the Lake District. The books , ALL illustrated by Beatrix, continued to flow and there was...and still is... a Constant Audience.
Often Beatrix's Own Inspirations for her animal characters didn't live to tell their Tale.
Mr Jeremy Fisher - dissected. Peter Rabbit - death by chloroform, followed by dissection and drawn for illustrative purposes. Jemima Puddleduck - ditto. And Squirrel Nutkin shot - at Beatty's request for drawing. And Guess Who performed the dissections. (Not a question!)
Is it surprising then, given the blood on Beatty's hands, that every Tale has at least one sentence that lets Junior know all is NOT well with the World. Life itself is under threat. Even if its just Ginger, (the cat who shared ownership of the popular village shop with Pickles the terrier, popular because it gave generous credit), who had to ask Pickles to serve their mouse customers because they made his mouth water. ("I cannot bear to see them going out at the door carrying their little parcels," he confessed.) Pickles had to make a similar confession about rats, but being a Realist added:"..but it would never do to eat our own customers; they would leave us and go to Tabitha Twitchet's."(The cat whose shop did NOT give credit.)Being much more of a realist, which one would expect of a cat, Ginger replied gloomily:
"On the contrary,they would go nowhere."
Ginger"s and Pickle's business finally collapses because of their Customer's Greed
(ALL characters from the Tales I am shocked to tell you!!!).Allowed to buy on Credit,they NEVER paid a penny, so poor Ginger and Pickles were forced to eat their own goods...but never laid claw or tooth on their clientele, to THEIR credit !!! (No pun intended, I assure you!)Pickles became a gamekeeper and Ginger went to live on the warren and became stout and comfortable. Would it surprise you to learn that a warren is a place where rabbits abound? Although Miss Potter tells us:"I do not know what occupation he pursues", her drawing shows Ginger laying nasty traps with big metal teeth - on the warren!!!(Miss Potter's illustrations often convey information she does NOT provide in the text!!) AND Miss Tabitha Twitchett put up all her prices and refused to give credit!!!!!
After this Tale of 1909 Miss Potter's Tales just get nastier and nastier. They are thrilling and delightful!! I'm sure All those Edwardian era Mums and Dads had no idea what subversiveness and violence was being smuggled into Junior's nursery under innocent covers. By 1912 Miss Potter had declared that she was tired of writing:
"goody goody books about nice people."
No wonder World War One broke out only a couple of years later.
And yet the History Books never mention Miss Potter as a possible Cause.
Nor does Feminism.
EPILOGUE:
Miss Potter knew a lot.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder???
Tom Kitten,victim of the rat, Anna Maria, who tied him up; and her husband, Mr.Samuel Whiskers, who helped her encase him in dough to be cooked and eaten.Poor Tom is rescued just in time. But ever afterwards "he has always been afraid of a rat; he never durst face anything that is bigger than - a mouse!"
And I doubt any sensitive reader will either.
Except the Insensitive who will no doubt join the Army.
A few weeks ago went to see the film of the Royal Ballet dancing several Tales of Beatrix Potter. The ballet choreographed by Frederick; with music, really delightful, by John Lanchbery, was first made into a film some years ago.This recent production was filmed in the actual theatre.
There were only two of us in the movie theatre.I was sitting right at the back and was sorely tempted to get up and dance to my heart's content across the large open area behind the last row of seats. I didn't... but I did cavort round the house when I got home and played the music.
I came to Beatrix Potter late, about age 31.(It's never TOO late!!) Took a break from my job in Athens to join my Mum and Step-father in a motoring holiday around the U.K. Was reading BP's biography by Margaret Lane - an excellent one. And so of course when we hit the Lake District we ended up at her wonderful house left exactly as she had left it. Mum photographed me standing in the doorway where BP had her photo taken.(I knew because the photo was in the book!!)
Later Mum was to run around the moors on the edge of Haworth crying out "Heathcliff!!Heathcliff!!!"in a much darker literary clime. After which we got caught in a Yorkshire storm and staggered into our hotel dying of laughter, while my step-father gave us fierce disapproving looks which made us laugh all the more.(He WAS an Accountant, and I'm sure had NEVER read a Beatrix Potter!!)
So now I am going to read first the several Tales that were recreated for the ballet. And then follow up with ALL the rest. The Music was...perfect, capturing their Essence...mice and ducks and foxes etc. ALL had had their Characters and Movements interpreted with the Ideal Notes, hidden away and NOW teased out into Life !!
Ah, blisssssss!!!
MUCH LATER:
Now aged almost 62, short of a couple of weeks, I have read All the Tales in Chronological Order. And discovered that Beatrix has a Dark Side!!! (Scarey!!!)...not really, since she was a Realist, bit the bullet, had tasted
disappointment in career prospects because she was a woman; a self-taught artist, as a girl she had drawn her pet animals ; as a young woman she had copied at the Natural History Museum animals and fossils AND 300 studies of fungi, the latter still regarded as perfect copies, but rejected then as not worthy of the Museum.
So she employed HERSELF - turned her skills to writing and illustrating Children's Books !! Six publishers rejected her first book. But finally F.Warne and Co. said "YES!"
The VERY FIRST story, The Tale of Peter Rabbit", Mrs Rabbit tells her children where they may and may not go, warning them off Mr.McGregor's garden :"...your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs McGregor."(Ouch!! There goes Junior's slumberful night!) But Beatrix never wrote down to children and her openess won her fans , not failure. Her marriage to the younger Warne brother, Norman, a kindred spirit, was NEVER to take place. He died of pernicious anaemia. It was now she bought herself a farm in the Lake District. The books , ALL illustrated by Beatrix, continued to flow and there was...and still is... a Constant Audience.
Often Beatrix's Own Inspirations for her animal characters didn't live to tell their Tale.
Mr Jeremy Fisher - dissected. Peter Rabbit - death by chloroform, followed by dissection and drawn for illustrative purposes. Jemima Puddleduck - ditto. And Squirrel Nutkin shot - at Beatty's request for drawing. And Guess Who performed the dissections. (Not a question!)
Is it surprising then, given the blood on Beatty's hands, that every Tale has at least one sentence that lets Junior know all is NOT well with the World. Life itself is under threat. Even if its just Ginger, (the cat who shared ownership of the popular village shop with Pickles the terrier, popular because it gave generous credit), who had to ask Pickles to serve their mouse customers because they made his mouth water. ("I cannot bear to see them going out at the door carrying their little parcels," he confessed.) Pickles had to make a similar confession about rats, but being a Realist added:"..but it would never do to eat our own customers; they would leave us and go to Tabitha Twitchet's."(The cat whose shop did NOT give credit.)Being much more of a realist, which one would expect of a cat, Ginger replied gloomily:
"On the contrary,they would go nowhere."
Ginger"s and Pickle's business finally collapses because of their Customer's Greed
(ALL characters from the Tales I am shocked to tell you!!!).Allowed to buy on Credit,they NEVER paid a penny, so poor Ginger and Pickles were forced to eat their own goods...but never laid claw or tooth on their clientele, to THEIR credit !!! (No pun intended, I assure you!)Pickles became a gamekeeper and Ginger went to live on the warren and became stout and comfortable. Would it surprise you to learn that a warren is a place where rabbits abound? Although Miss Potter tells us:"I do not know what occupation he pursues", her drawing shows Ginger laying nasty traps with big metal teeth - on the warren!!!(Miss Potter's illustrations often convey information she does NOT provide in the text!!) AND Miss Tabitha Twitchett put up all her prices and refused to give credit!!!!!
After this Tale of 1909 Miss Potter's Tales just get nastier and nastier. They are thrilling and delightful!! I'm sure All those Edwardian era Mums and Dads had no idea what subversiveness and violence was being smuggled into Junior's nursery under innocent covers. By 1912 Miss Potter had declared that she was tired of writing:
"goody goody books about nice people."
No wonder World War One broke out only a couple of years later.
And yet the History Books never mention Miss Potter as a possible Cause.
Nor does Feminism.
EPILOGUE:
Miss Potter knew a lot.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder???
Tom Kitten,victim of the rat, Anna Maria, who tied him up; and her husband, Mr.Samuel Whiskers, who helped her encase him in dough to be cooked and eaten.Poor Tom is rescued just in time. But ever afterwards "he has always been afraid of a rat; he never durst face anything that is bigger than - a mouse!"
And I doubt any sensitive reader will either.
Except the Insensitive who will no doubt join the Army.
July 26, 2014
I did not read these gorgeous tales when I was a child. I have no nostalgia for Peter Rabbit and his friends. But oh, how I wish I had! How I wish I had read about the wonderful rabbit in his lovely blue jacket with shiny golden buttons and his tiny pair of shoes. How I wish I had lost myself in Beatrix Potter's wonderful, pastel-coloured water-paintings and gasped of the wickedness and cunning of Tommy Brock, and sighed with delight with each happy ending, each last word wrapping up the story in a delicate ribbon.
But even if I didn't read them as a child and even if I don't possess that cherished sense of nostalgia towards Beatrix Potter's universe of foxes, birds, squirrels and rabbits, I still found these tales to be an absolute delight, adorably simple and perfectly fitting for any child (or any child hiding within an adult).
I can easily understand why these tales are so beloved and so dear to so many people. I can't understand why I haven't read them sooner.
But even if I didn't read them as a child and even if I don't possess that cherished sense of nostalgia towards Beatrix Potter's universe of foxes, birds, squirrels and rabbits, I still found these tales to be an absolute delight, adorably simple and perfectly fitting for any child (or any child hiding within an adult).
I can easily understand why these tales are so beloved and so dear to so many people. I can't understand why I haven't read them sooner.
June 11, 2021
Ok, no, I didn't read the whole book, not even all the ones I didn't know before. After all, they're at Project Gutenberg, so I can read them on my tablet at any time. But I picked this up at the library to have an idea of just how prolific Potter (second cousin's great-aunt of Harry?) was. And I have to admit, the variety of what she created is more than I realized, and the quantity less.
I'm finding that I'm enjoying the ones that are not so cutesy bunny more than those that are. The Tale of Mr. Tod is killer. I never knew that Mr. Tod is a nickname for a fox, and Tommy Brock is a badger. And when a mother rabbit finds her children missing, we read that she "wrung her ears."
Did you know also that Potter bought country lands to preserve it, and "When she died in 1943 she left over 4,000 acres and fifteen farms to the nation."
I'm finding that I'm enjoying the ones that are not so cutesy bunny more than those that are. The Tale of Mr. Tod is killer. I never knew that Mr. Tod is a nickname for a fox, and Tommy Brock is a badger. And when a mother rabbit finds her children missing, we read that she "wrung her ears."
Did you know also that Potter bought country lands to preserve it, and "When she died in 1943 she left over 4,000 acres and fifteen farms to the nation."
January 14, 2011
I finally got around to reading Beatrix Potter.
I love Beatrix Potter. Just a children's author, not bloody likely. What doesn't she cover? Class, environment, animal rights, economic theory.
And those pictures.
There are three levels to Potter - (1) children (2) adult (3) artist.
I love Beatrix Potter. Just a children's author, not bloody likely. What doesn't she cover? Class, environment, animal rights, economic theory.
And those pictures.
There are three levels to Potter - (1) children (2) adult (3) artist.
January 7, 2019
Ever since I saw Miss Potter, starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, I have wanted to read Beatrix Potter's stories. Thankfully, my parents surprised me with a beautiful edition of her Complete Tales. Well, I guzzled it in a mere two days. Yep, this one's a darling collection with gorgeous paintings and sketches by Miss Potter herself. I loved every moment of it and recommend it to anyone who still has a vivid imagination. You'll need one to see hedgehogs, pigs, and rabbits (among other critter friends) as "a dear person" (or people, as the case may be), as Miss Potter once described Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, her pet hedgehog. I couldn't be more delighted with this charming collection of stories, artwork, and brief histories of each tale and Beatrix Potter's life at the time she wrote them.
Fans of Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins will love this one.
Fans of Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins will love this one.
February 27, 2021
I have the blue cover version published by Thalia. The book shows the complete collection of all stories around Peter Rabbit. First of all, I love these illustrations and the stories. Secondly, I like this hardcover format with the cute cover. I wished they would have chosen a different paper but that's my personal preference I guess. When you are a fan of Peter Rabbit's tales, you will definitely love this!
August 1, 2017
I'm so glad I took the time to go through this book and become familiar with the work of Beatrix. It is a lovely book of stories and artwork. It is also a collection of fine stories for children and adult with the hearts of children. This is a treasury of stories. It's worth getting from you library.
February 4, 2017
Ilustracije su famozne, a price i ne bas (izuzev tri bas predivne). Iznenaduje me njezina beskompromisnost u oslikavanju seoskih prizora s obzirom na njezne ilustracije. (Neki ostanu traumatizirani, netko bez repa, brkova ili mrkve, nekome pojedu djecu, a netko zavrsi u piti). Jedna od prica mi je bas bila jako strasna, sto nisam ocekivala...
Ali ovo je ljubav <3
" Sam macak bio je osujecen u ljubavi. Njegov mrzovoljni i mracni svjetonazor djelomicno je bio posljedica razdvojenosti od sove. Ta mila ptica, snjezna sova iz Laponije, plovila je na sjevernjackom kitolovcu na Grenland. A "Funta svijeca" plovila je na tropska mora." Nisu li sve ljubavi opreke izmedu zime i ljeta? :D
Srecom, macak i sova proveli su medeni mjesec na pustom otoku kod prascica Robinsona :)
Ali ovo je ljubav <3
" Sam macak bio je osujecen u ljubavi. Njegov mrzovoljni i mracni svjetonazor djelomicno je bio posljedica razdvojenosti od sove. Ta mila ptica, snjezna sova iz Laponije, plovila je na sjevernjackom kitolovcu na Grenland. A "Funta svijeca" plovila je na tropska mora." Nisu li sve ljubavi opreke izmedu zime i ljeta? :D
Srecom, macak i sova proveli su medeni mjesec na pustom otoku kod prascica Robinsona :)
March 29, 2021
Hacía bastante tiempo que buscaba el volumen de todos los relatos de Beatrix Potter en castellano, y al fin lo encontré a más de la mitad del precio de venta en librerías en una página de libros de lance. No me lo pensé dos veces y lo adquirí. Y qué bien he hecho en leer los cuentos tan entrañables que escribió Bea en estos momentos. Ya los había leído años atrás en inglés, pero como mi nivel es bastante básico los dobles sentidos se pierden bastante. Lo cierto es que la traducción al castellano no está mal. Por una parte entiendo que se españolicen los nombres de algunos animales, como la ardillita Nutkin, la minina Miss Moppet, el entrañable erizo Miss Tiggy-Winkle e incluso el famoso Peter el conejo. Cada respectivo animal pasa a llamarse en castellano Nogalina, Minina, Bigarrilla y Perico. Pero que la GANSA (que no oca) Jemima pase a llamarse CARLOTA...Eso no tiene perdón de Dios. ¡Con lo bonito que es Jemima! De hecho, ¡le puse ese nombre a mi pequeña compañera felina porque me parecía tan original y encantador! Decisiones de traducción que a veces se toman mal y otras veces bien. Reconozco que es bastante complicado traducir a Potter, ya que ella utiliza muchos dobles sentidos, juegos de palabras y rimas incluso en prosa. No llega al nivel de complejidad Edward Lear (creo que antes me pegaría un tiro en el pie que traducir a este escritor), pero si que tiene sus cositas que Fabián Chueca y Ramón Buckley han sabido llevar la mayoría de las veces.
A Beatrix Potter se la disfruta en color. Eso es así. Yo leí dos volúmenes que recopilaban sus relatos con ilustraciones en blanco y negro, y ya os digo que no es lo mismo. A nivel emocional sus ilustraciones...te hacen feliz. Esa gama cromática y ese detallismo tanto en los animales como en los fondos solo lo puedes apreciar en color. Por eso, en esta ocasión he disfrutado los relatos de verdad. Y le pongo las cinco estrellas que siempre se mereció.
Mis relatos favoritos en esta ocasión han sido varios: El cuento de la ardilla Nogalina por su contenido macabro y por su fina ironía; El cuento de dos malvados ratones por los valores y su tierno final; El cuento de Jemima porque me he visto muy reflejada en la ingenuidad y en la torpeza de la gansita; El cuento de Doña Ratoncita por las ilustraciones y porque yo, como Doña Ratoncita, soy una obsesa de la limpieza, pero tengo un buen corazón; El cuento del señor Raposo por lo bien que está llevada la acción; y, por último, El cuento de Juanito Ratón de Ciudad por ser un manifiesto pronaturaleza.
Son relatos muy especiales, dedicados a aquellos que son capaces de ver más allá de las apariencias y lo material; pertenecen a un mundo de espíritus, donde no hay dolor aunque sí se acepta la muerte como algo natural y necesario, donde la vida surge y vive cada segundo como si fuera el último, donde hasta la enagua más insignificante tiene valor artístico y literario...Era el mundo de Bea, un mundo que nos legó y que sigue inspirado a cientos de artistas. Gracias por todo Beatrix Potter. Nunca serás olvidada.
A Beatrix Potter se la disfruta en color. Eso es así. Yo leí dos volúmenes que recopilaban sus relatos con ilustraciones en blanco y negro, y ya os digo que no es lo mismo. A nivel emocional sus ilustraciones...te hacen feliz. Esa gama cromática y ese detallismo tanto en los animales como en los fondos solo lo puedes apreciar en color. Por eso, en esta ocasión he disfrutado los relatos de verdad. Y le pongo las cinco estrellas que siempre se mereció.
Mis relatos favoritos en esta ocasión han sido varios: El cuento de la ardilla Nogalina por su contenido macabro y por su fina ironía; El cuento de dos malvados ratones por los valores y su tierno final; El cuento de Jemima porque me he visto muy reflejada en la ingenuidad y en la torpeza de la gansita; El cuento de Doña Ratoncita por las ilustraciones y porque yo, como Doña Raton
Son relatos muy especiales, dedicados a aquellos que son capaces de ver más allá de las apariencias y lo material; pertenecen a un mundo de espíritus, donde no hay dolor aunque sí se acepta la muerte como algo natural y necesario, donde la vida surge y vive cada segundo como si fuera el último, donde hasta la enagua más insignificante tiene valor artístico y literario...Era el mundo de Bea, un mundo que nos legó y que sigue inspirado a cientos de artistas. Gracias por todo Beatrix Potter. Nunca serás olvidada.
October 15, 2019
see on mu tahan-lugeda nimekirja kõige vanem raamat, st ta on päris vana raamat (üle 100a tagasi kirjutatud) nagunii, aga need mõned korrad, mis ma olen Goodreadsis kõik leheküljed to-read raamatuid läbi lapanud ja päris algusesse välja jõudnud, olen ma lõpuks selleni välja jõudnud.
näe, jõudsin ära oodata, et eesti keeles ja täismahus välja anti kõik need lood! ehkki need originaalses pisiformaadis raamatukesed on ka iseenesest päris nunnud.
alguses tundus, et ega ta otseselt eakohane lugemine vast ei ole mulle enam, üsna lihtsakoelised jutukesed. samas, oh seda piltide ilu ja detailsust.
aga kui nüüd süveneda, siis lihtsad need lood ju on, aga üsna... hirmsad kohati. jah, tegelasteks on nunnud inimriietes loomad, kes vähemalt pidupäevadel käivad tagakäppadel (väiksematele loomalastele nt peab ema seda meelde tuletama), kellel on kodud ja pered ja töökohad ja seltskondlikud suhted - samas valitsevad ikkagi karmid loodusseadused.
kohe esimeses loos jääb Peeter Pikk-kõrva ema leseks, sest isajänes satub talumehe pirukasse. aga enamasti ei söö neid loomakesi mitte inimesed, vaid teised sama soliidsed loomad! ühes loos tikivad hiired agaralt linnapea jaoks vesti, mõni aeg hiljem aga söövad kass ja koer teejoomise kõrvale hiirepirukat (mida koer küll väga kõrgelt ei hinda, ta eelistab peekonit). kassi ahju ees on maas küülikunahast vaip (tšau, Peeter Pikk-kõrv). sigadele pannakse lubatäht taskusse ja saadetakse nad... laadale iseennast müüma? koer peab ka endale ise koeralitsentsi ostma (jube kallis on).
ühesõnaga, ma ei vaata neid Beatrix Potteri loomapildikesi kuskil lastenõude peal enam kunagi päris sama pilguga.
viimane pikem jutt väikesest notsu Robinsonist kisub juba päris intertekstuaalseks ära, viidatakse nii Lewis Carrollile kui Edward Learile. pluss kuna lugesin tõlkes, siis õppisin sellest loost ühe sõna, mis on mu elus juba aastaid puudu olnud: taratrepp!
näe, jõudsin ära oodata, et eesti keeles ja täismahus välja anti kõik need lood! ehkki need originaalses pisiformaadis raamatukesed on ka iseenesest päris nunnud.
alguses tundus, et ega ta otseselt eakohane lugemine vast ei ole mulle enam, üsna lihtsakoelised jutukesed. samas, oh seda piltide ilu ja detailsust.
aga kui nüüd süveneda, siis lihtsad need lood ju on, aga üsna... hirmsad kohati. jah, tegelasteks on nunnud inimriietes loomad, kes vähemalt pidupäevadel käivad tagakäppadel (väiksematele loomalastele nt peab ema seda meelde tuletama), kellel on kodud ja pered ja töökohad ja seltskondlikud suhted - samas valitsevad ikkagi karmid loodusseadused.
kohe esimeses loos jääb Peeter Pikk-kõrva ema leseks, sest isajänes satub talumehe pirukasse. aga enamasti ei söö neid loomakesi mitte inimesed, vaid teised sama soliidsed loomad! ühes loos tikivad hiired agaralt linnapea jaoks vesti, mõni aeg hiljem aga söövad kass ja koer teejoomise kõrvale hiirepirukat (mida koer küll väga kõrgelt ei hinda, ta eelistab peekonit). kassi ahju ees on maas küülikunahast vaip (tšau, Peeter Pikk-kõrv). sigadele pannakse lubatäht taskusse ja saadetakse nad... laadale iseennast müüma? koer peab ka endale ise koeralitsentsi ostma (jube kallis on).
ühesõnaga, ma ei vaata neid Beatrix Potteri loomapildikesi kuskil lastenõude peal enam kunagi päris sama pilguga.
viimane pikem jutt väikesest notsu Robinsonist kisub juba päris intertekstuaalseks ära, viidatakse nii Lewis Carrollile kui Edward Learile. pluss kuna lugesin tõlkes, siis õppisin sellest loost ühe sõna, mis on mu elus juba aastaid puudu olnud: taratrepp!
March 12, 2020
Se tiver de resumir a minha infância num número, escolho o ISBN deste livro. ❤️
June 27, 2023
Whew! I read this with my children over 3 months. I LOVE Beatrix Potter’s artwork so I especially enjoyed seeing it all with the stories. There are definitely a few of these we will read over and over. Our favorites:
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
August 17, 2012
Beatrix Potter's Complete Tales holds a very dear place in my heart. This collection has never lost its popularity. Beatrix Potter's first story in 1902, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" was published in a small edition by Frederick Warne, within a year it was an instant best seller. To this day the appeal of the tales is just as strong.
The animals seem to almost take on human personalities. In fact, these magical stories are often connected with real people, places or animals. Stories that involve animals as the main characters in books always seem to fascinate young children and Peter Rabbit has always been up there with the best.
The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher can provide the perfect introduction into mini-beasts such as beetles, grasshoppers and worms in KS1 science lessons. The life cycle of a frog can also be explored. Beatrix Potter can also be used in conjunction with History lessons on the Victorians. By studying Beatrix Potter's childhood, children can compare/contrast it with their own world. This can also lead way to discussions as to why Potter wrote simple stories about animals rather than people. Children can then go on to write their own animal themed story. With regards to Art lessons, children can draw a variety of animals and plants, they can then work with watercolour, just as Beatrix Potter did with her own illustrations.
These tales are most certainly tailored to a younger audience, most certainly EYFS, yet these tales can and still are enjoyed by older audiences, including myself.
The animals seem to almost take on human personalities. In fact, these magical stories are often connected with real people, places or animals. Stories that involve animals as the main characters in books always seem to fascinate young children and Peter Rabbit has always been up there with the best.
The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher can provide the perfect introduction into mini-beasts such as beetles, grasshoppers and worms in KS1 science lessons. The life cycle of a frog can also be explored. Beatrix Potter can also be used in conjunction with History lessons on the Victorians. By studying Beatrix Potter's childhood, children can compare/contrast it with their own world. This can also lead way to discussions as to why Potter wrote simple stories about animals rather than people. Children can then go on to write their own animal themed story. With regards to Art lessons, children can draw a variety of animals and plants, they can then work with watercolour, just as Beatrix Potter did with her own illustrations.
These tales are most certainly tailored to a younger audience, most certainly EYFS, yet these tales can and still are enjoyed by older audiences, including myself.
January 8, 2021
2021 EDIT: A reread; and these are still charming and beautifully illustrated little fairy tales, that feature cute, sentient talking animals in sweet and funny situations.
The animals often have dangerous adventures, too. A few of Miss Potter's tales are even nightmarish! 'Jemima Puddle-duck' is very sad, and I don't even want to think about the implications of the last page of 'The Flopsy Bunnies'. 'Pigling Bland' is very open-ended. They're not as innocent as I remember!
I'd also forgotten that Miss Potter would occasionally insert herself into some of these tales.
My favourites include 'Peter Rabbit', 'Benjamin Bunny', 'Two Bad Mice', 'Mrs Tiggy-Winkle', and 'Mrs Tittlemouse'.
Beatrix Potter's works are a very old family treasure of mine, and I intend to keep them. Childhood classics.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Lovely little tales from my early childhood. I still own eleven of them, in fact. That's saying something, because I don't keep a lot of the books I have on my shelves, especially if they are from my younger reading days. Beatrix Potter's Tales fill me with such sweet nostalgia, I can't give them away. They may have even shaped my love of animals.
All of them are favourites of mine; charming and funny, and timeless classics to read to children.
I bless the undoubted passion and talents that Beatrix Potter had.
Final Score: 4/5
The animals often have dangerous adventures, too. A few of Miss Potter's tales are even nightmarish! 'Jemima Puddle-duck' is very sad, and I don't even want to think about the implications of the last page of 'The Flopsy Bunnies'. 'Pigling Bland' is very open-ended. They're not as innocent as I remember!
I'd also forgotten that Miss Potter would occasionally insert herself into some of these tales.
My favourites include 'Peter Rabbit', 'Benjamin Bunny', 'Two Bad Mice', 'Mrs Tiggy-Winkle', and 'Mrs Tittlemouse'.
Beatrix Potter's works are a very old family treasure of mine, and I intend to keep them. Childhood classics.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Lovely little tales from my early childhood. I still own eleven of them, in fact. That's saying something, because I don't keep a lot of the books I have on my shelves, especially if they are from my younger reading days. Beatrix Potter's Tales fill me with such sweet nostalgia, I can't give them away. They may have even shaped my love of animals.
All of them are favourites of mine; charming and funny, and timeless classics to read to children.
I bless the undoubted passion and talents that Beatrix Potter had.
Final Score: 4/5
June 7, 2018
Bought in the Beatrix Potter Museum during a trip through the Lake District. These are stories which will be reminded your whole life. Not only this book is a beauty, but a visit to the museum, where all Mrs Potter's figures are life size, is highly recommended. Even as an adult I love to read the story of Jemima Puddleduck, mrs Tiddlemouse and famous Peter Rabbit. The illustrations are fine colored and detailed and done by Mrs Potter herself.
March 19, 2023
These are the best children's stories ever written. My mother read them to me and I read them to my son. I adore Beatrix Potter.
April 11, 2019
One of my favorite collection of tales. I've loved Beatrix Potter ever since I was little. Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations.
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
November 26, 2021
Opinião no Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvGKScs6...
June 7, 2018
In all honesty, this probably deserves a 3.5 stars but, due to sentimentality and nostalgia, I'm just giving it a 4.
Beatrix Potter's stories have been a part of my life for a long time now - I regularly visit the Lakes (a place where Potter lived and bought these stories to life, as well as it thriving off Peter Rabbit merch), these stories were read to me in my childhood, and I've had two pets named after characters (an old rabbit called, you guessed it, Peter and my current dog Tiggi). I was eager to visit these stories.
They don't mean as much to me as they used to do. I'm not a fan of children's literature (you only have to see my shelves to know that) - I tend to get really annoyed at the simple and basic things. I hate the patronising tone of voice, and the simplified language - all reasonable things. I didn't really find this was the case with Potter's work, instead I was just bored with the longer stories (I even stopped reading one of them because it was so uninteresting). I liked the nursery rhymes, and the shorter stories like Peter Rabbit, and Tom Kitten. I didn't like the ones to do with the Pigs, etc.
Other than this one disadvantage, these stories were really pleasant to read. I loved being able to revisit certain stories - the ones that have stuck with me for a long time. I will never get bored of re-reading the Peter Rabbit story. They just aren't as fun to read now that I'm older, and that's totally okay. I'm surprised, to be honest, with the rating I've given it now - normally children's literature doesn't even get 3 stars!
Beatrix Potter's stories have been a part of my life for a long time now - I regularly visit the Lakes (a place where Potter lived and bought these stories to life, as well as it thriving off Peter Rabbit merch), these stories were read to me in my childhood, and I've had two pets named after characters (an old rabbit called, you guessed it, Peter and my current dog Tiggi). I was eager to visit these stories.
They don't mean as much to me as they used to do. I'm not a fan of children's literature (you only have to see my shelves to know that) - I tend to get really annoyed at the simple and basic things. I hate the patronising tone of voice, and the simplified language - all reasonable things. I didn't really find this was the case with Potter's work, instead I was just bored with the longer stories (I even stopped reading one of them because it was so uninteresting). I liked the nursery rhymes, and the shorter stories like Peter Rabbit, and Tom Kitten. I didn't like the ones to do with the Pigs, etc.
Other than this one disadvantage, these stories were really pleasant to read. I loved being able to revisit certain stories - the ones that have stuck with me for a long time. I will never get bored of re-reading the Peter Rabbit story. They just aren't as fun to read now that I'm older, and that's totally okay. I'm surprised, to be honest, with the rating I've given it now - normally children's literature doesn't even get 3 stars!
September 24, 2019
Ik ben helemaal gek op de avonturen van Pieter Konijn. Dit boek is ontzettend dik en de verhalen zijn ietwat aan de lange kant voor kleine kinderen (kleuters), maar als volwassene vond ik het genieten. Elk verhaal komt chronologisch (volgens uitgavejaar) in het boek vooraf gegaan door een beknopte uitleg van waar B. Potter haar inspiratie haalde om het verhaal te schrijven. Uiteraard zijn de illustraties magnifiek!
June 26, 2022
Adored the first 6 stories , i also enjoyed the others but some i felt they were too rushed . The ending to some of the stories were meant to be jokes but i didn't get them ...
There were also some rhymes which were about 30 pages long which were so random
Otherwise adorable illustrations and the most popular stories are so lovely , my fave has to be The tailor of Gloucester, (obvs all the bunny ones aswell), The tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck!!!
There were also some rhymes which were about 30 pages long which were so random
Otherwise adorable illustrations and the most popular stories are so lovely , my fave has to be The tailor of Gloucester, (obvs all the bunny ones aswell), The tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck!!!
June 2, 2020
Really so lovely and comforting to revisit these classics. I so adore the illustrations!!
March 21, 2021
Просто пиздец. Не удалось найти синонима. Идеально для каждого, кто любит невероятно скучный скандинавский нуар для аудитории 3+, с самыми жуткими социальными стереотипами. Кошмарище
May 29, 2023
Childhood classic, right here.
June 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!
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