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The World of Beatrix Potter #18
The Tale of Mr. Tod
Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny are back in this adventure that also features two particularly "disagreeable" villains...
Fortunately, those two villains—Tommy Brock the badger and Mr. Tod the fox—dislike each other so much that, when Tommy Brock kidnaps Benjamin's young family, Mr. Tod unwittingly becomes the rabbits' ally.
The world that Peter Rabbit first introduced to us in 1902 is still today one of Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved worlds. What started as an endearing story about a bunny rabbit would soon become the first ember for the illustrious series that is 'The World of Beatrix Potter', and a story which has endured retelling after retelling at bedtimes all over the world.
Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) loved the countryside and spent much of her childhood drawing and studying animals. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', first published in 1902, was her first book. She later went on to publish more than twenty tales, and collections of rhymes.
Age Rating: 3–12+ / Preschool - 2+ / Lexile Measure 890L
Fortunately, those two villains—Tommy Brock the badger and Mr. Tod the fox—dislike each other so much that, when Tommy Brock kidnaps Benjamin's young family, Mr. Tod unwittingly becomes the rabbits' ally.
The world that Peter Rabbit first introduced to us in 1902 is still today one of Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved worlds. What started as an endearing story about a bunny rabbit would soon become the first ember for the illustrious series that is 'The World of Beatrix Potter', and a story which has endured retelling after retelling at bedtimes all over the world.
Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) loved the countryside and spent much of her childhood drawing and studying animals. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', first published in 1902, was her first book. She later went on to publish more than twenty tales, and collections of rhymes.
Age Rating: 3–12+ / Preschool - 2+ / Lexile Measure 890L
82 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1912
23 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Beatrix Potter
3,324 books2,132 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 173 reviews
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August 30, 2023
Beatrix Potter is a much better storyteller when her tales are longer. She delves deeper in to the nature of animals-the darker side of their nature-and her stories are better for it.
There are two more dangerous animals in this tale-a fox and a badger-and rather than being calm gentlemen who smoke pipes and natter, they are portrayed here almost true to form. They're rather vicious and vindictive if one takes their personified forms too literally. In truth, they are just the animals we know them as, albeit with the standard Beatrix waistcoat and walking cane.
The illustrations are a little different here: we have the darling watercolours that bring so much life to the stories, and we also have black and white engravings that add another dimension: perhaps not so much to the story but to the Beatrix Potter Legend overall.
Peter Rabbit also makes an appearance here, and I much prefer him as an adult than as a rather tiresome little bunny. Like all of her stories there are darker natural elements to all of them, and most include some form of eating, whether it be Mr McGregor putting rabbits in pies or Badgers putting rabbits in pies; whatever the case may be, we all know that pies are the best. Long live pies.
There are two more dangerous animals in this tale-a fox and a badger-and rather than being calm gentlemen who smoke pipes and natter, they are portrayed here almost true to form. They're rather vicious and vindictive if one takes their personified forms too literally. In truth, they are just the animals we know them as, albeit with the standard Beatrix waistcoat and walking cane.
The illustrations are a little different here: we have the darling watercolours that bring so much life to the stories, and we also have black and white engravings that add another dimension: perhaps not so much to the story but to the Beatrix Potter Legend overall.
Peter Rabbit also makes an appearance here, and I much prefer him as an adult than as a rather tiresome little bunny. Like all of her stories there are darker natural elements to all of them, and most include some form of eating, whether it be Mr McGregor putting rabbits in pies or Badgers putting rabbits in pies; whatever the case may be, we all know that pies are the best. Long live pies.
March 14, 2022
This thrilling tale reprises the characters of Benjamin Bunny (now grown, and married to Flopsy) and Peter Rabbit. Mr. Bouncer has been left in charge of his grandchildren ("seven of them, all twins"*) when he foolishly invites in Tommy Brock for a smoke and a cuppa. Such vices lead to disaster, for Mr. Bouncer falls asleep and Brock kidnaps the babies with the evil intention of making a meal of them. Benjamin and Peter race to rescue the children, but the villain is ultimately foiled by his nemesis, Mr. Tod. It's very like the The Da Vinci Code for toddlers, except for being believable with an active hero. Favorite line: the crockery was smashed to atoms.
*An archaic meaning of "twins" perhaps? Danger bunnies are also bad at math?
***
I stand by my prior review, but feel compelled to address Flopsy's nightmare: her live-in father-in-law invited over a guest while he was baby-sitting. Then refused to admit he'd let in the baby-snatcher. While her brother and husband are off to rescue the babies, she has to stay home and look after the old bunny man. We learn that they quarreled at breakfast, and again at dinner. She has seven children, a rather reckless husband, and a father-in-law either senile or criminally negligent. She manages to only strike Bouncer once during the ordeal of waiting for Pete and Ben to return, through the expedient of staying busy cleaning the hell out of the house. Seven babies stolen and he's just sitting there unable to explain how such a thing could have happened. Flopsy is a saint.
Personal copy
*An archaic meaning of "twins" perhaps? Danger bunnies are also bad at math?
***
I stand by my prior review, but feel compelled to address Flopsy's nightmare: her live-in father-in-law invited over a guest while he was baby-sitting. Then refused to admit he'd let in the baby-snatcher. While her brother and husband are off to rescue the babies, she has to stay home and look after the old bunny man. We learn that they quarreled at breakfast, and again at dinner. She has seven children, a rather reckless husband, and a father-in-law either senile or criminally negligent. She manages to only strike Bouncer once during the ordeal of waiting for Pete and Ben to return, through the expedient of staying busy cleaning the hell out of the house. Seven babies stolen and he's just sitting there unable to explain how such a thing could have happened. Flopsy is a saint.
Personal copy
October 10, 2023
Great tale of how to take advantage of two evil individuals while they are fighting! Really am going to try to read more books by Beatrix Potter; I am sure I had many of her books read to me (in some form) when I was very young, but I can't remember each individual book. A great series for young children that I think is timeless.
February 18, 2020
disagreeable indeed!
July 25, 2016
What a quick, fun read this was. Never really read any of these books before, but found it quaint, with quality writing and a sense of mischief.
December 8, 2020
I adore Beatrix Potter!
December 31, 2017
Ovo je najlepša knjiga za decu koju sam ja ikad videla, prosto mi je žao što mi niko nije ovo čitao kad sam bila mala. Inače priča je o lisici, jazavcu i jako čupavim zekama i jako je zanimljivo u smislu zanima vas šta će biti na kraju , elem kada pročitate prirčicu , ona ima isti efekat ako kad gledate neki video sa slatkim životinjama, nekako vam je slatko , ne umem da objasnim drugačije osim cuteness effect. Ps Ima jako dobar film o autorki. PPS Da li neko zna da li postoji kod nas neko izdanje?
July 14, 2017
A different style of story. This starts out being a story about the villian - the badger and the Fox. This is a long story and it was too long for the kids with not enough drawings. They were worried about the bunnies. It turns out to be a story about rescue and Benjamin and Peter are the hero's. I found it entertaining.
March 10, 2014
The perfect study of gullibility, betrayal, opportunism and revenge, proving that there's no honour among thieves. Very dark - down to the unusual density of black and white illustrations.
September 24, 2020
Slightly longer than normal for a Beatrix Potter book. Don’t remember reading this as a child and would perhaps of found it slightly scary. Love how Peter rabbit and Benjamin bunny both appear in this book too.
August 12, 2024
One of the more charming Peter rabbit stories. The battle Royale between Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock is still fantastic.
July 26, 2016
Actual Rating 2.5stars
November 29, 2014
My favorite Potter book! Though it seems to be her least popular.
November 26, 2024
Great tale of how to take advantage of two evil individuals while they are fighting! Beatrix Potter is a much better storyteller when her tales are longer. She delves deeper in to the nature of animals-the darker side of their nature-and her stories are better for it.
November 30, 2024
these are soooo cute
August 13, 2014
This should be called Tommy Brock the Badger is a right old bastard, not "The Tale of Mr. Tod." Tommy kidnaps the baby rabbits of a friend who invited him in and plans on eating them for breakfast, all while squatting in other people's houses... I hope he died. Violently.
June 26, 2016
I could not finish this - this is truly terrifying.
December 18, 2022
This is “a story about two disagreeable people, called Tommy Brock (badger) and Mr Tod” (fox). Hungry Tommy Brock goes to visit Mr Bouncer, who is baby-sitting his grandchildren – the new-born bunnies of Benjamin and Flopsy rabbit. While Mr Bouncer sleeps, Mr Brock abducts the bunnies – obviously planning to eat them. Benjamin comes home, finds the bunnies gone and tracks Tommy Brock by the badger’s pungent smell to one of his shabby houses, on the way gathering his cousin Peter to help him. They find Tommy Brick asleep, and the bunnies in the, thankfully still cold, oven, but are unable to get in.
Mr Tod arrives – for it is his house that the badger has commandeered. He sets a trap for Tommy Brock – which fails. They fight – rolling down the hill. Benjamin and Peter rush inside to rescue the bunnies, so anther happy ending – for the rabbits at least.
A longer book than normal, and mainly black and white drawings, though a few splendid colour ones of Mr Todd and Tommy Brock. Not the best of the series.
Mr Tod arrives – for it is his house that the badger has commandeered. He sets a trap for Tommy Brock – which fails. They fight – rolling down the hill. Benjamin and Peter rush inside to rescue the bunnies, so anther happy ending – for the rabbits at least.
A longer book than normal, and mainly black and white drawings, though a few splendid colour ones of Mr Todd and Tommy Brock. Not the best of the series.
September 25, 2019
Sometimes I notice a vague pop culture assumption that Beatrix Potter stories are all sweetness and innocence, with cute jacket-wearing bunnies making harmless mischief. But while many of her books are lighthearted and pleasant, quite a few of them tend to be grim(Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle-Duck) and even downright disturbing(Pigling Bland, Samuel Whiskers). The Tale of Mr. Tod is definitely one of the grim ones, but I've really enjoyed rereading it as an adult. The scenes between Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock make it feel almost like a strange dark comedy.
As dark a tale as Mr. Tod is, it's enjoyable both as a rescue mission story and story of two "disagreeable people" managing to outsmart each other and themselves!
As dark a tale as Mr. Tod is, it's enjoyable both as a rescue mission story and story of two "disagreeable people" managing to outsmart each other and themselves!
October 25, 2020
This is quite a nasty story, the point of which seems to be to punish Mr. Tod. Although he may be a villain in other books, within this volume, he is only punished, through no fault of his own.
March 30, 2012
Potter made it clear in the beginning "I have written a lot about well-behaved people. Now,
for a change, I am going to make a story about two disagreeable people, called Tommy Brock and Mr. Tod."
The story is about the 2 foxes who despise each other. They are equally annoying and conniving. This time one of them got hold Benjamin Bunny's off-springs and intended to make a meal out of them.
Our Bunny heroes then have to go to the house of the fox to order save the kids.
The story is fine but the villains don't seem to be strong enough to awake those feelings in the heart !!
for a change, I am going to make a story about two disagreeable people, called Tommy Brock and Mr. Tod."
The story is about the 2 foxes who despise each other. They are equally annoying and conniving. This time one of them got hold Benjamin Bunny's off-springs and intended to make a meal out of them.
Our Bunny heroes then have to go to the house of the fox to order save the kids.
The story is fine but the villains don't seem to be strong enough to awake those feelings in the heart !!
July 22, 2017
I highly recommend it,it's such a great book ,Children and adults will love these grand adventures. Flopsy let Mr Bouncer look after the kids. When Mr Bouncer was as sleep , Tommy Brock stole the kids . When Benjamin and Flopsy came back they couldn't find the kids . Benjamin and Peter went searching for the kids they went to a house and saw Tod and Mr bouncer . When they were fighting Peter and Benjamin immediately got the kids and ran home .
March 12, 2018
There were many unpleasant things lying about that had much better have been buried
'...the moon rose over the wood. It shone upon the house, among the rocks and in at the kitchen window'
The moonbeams twinkled on the carving knife...and made a path of brightness across the dirty floor
'I will bury that nasty person in the hole in which he has dug'
'he threw the cup of scalding tea all over Mr Tod'
Decidedly there were lively doings in Mr Tod's kitchen
'...the moon rose over the wood. It shone upon the house, among the rocks and in at the kitchen window'
The moonbeams twinkled on the carving knife...and made a path of brightness across the dirty floor
'I will bury that nasty person in the hole in which he has dug'
'he threw the cup of scalding tea all over Mr Tod'
Decidedly there were lively doings in Mr Tod's kitchen
January 2, 2023
Written in 1912 this classic is every bit as delightful as it was when I was a child. The illustrations are just beautiful. Much darker themes than I remember, kidnapping and attempted murder really ;) but also funny. This gritty kids story reminded me of Grimms.
July 31, 2016
It's such a long story for Mrs Potter to write. It's very adventurous and exciting.
December 25, 2016
Ended up reading this out loud to my husband, to both of our great enjoyments. What a tale!
August 3, 2017
Man, some of these stories are a bit darker than you remember them to be...
January 28, 2018
I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku:
"A bitter lesson,
Realizing family faults
Must influence trust."
"A bitter lesson,
Realizing family faults
Must influence trust."
April 15, 2020
3,5 stars
July 23, 2020
Complex story of kidnapping and rescue within uncertain relationships in the Wood. Our main concern was to meet Tommy Brock, the villain of the piece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews