Letters to Children from Beatrix Potter

by Judy Taylor, Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was prolific letter writer and among the hundreds of her surviving letters are a large number that were written to children. The chief recipients were the eight children of her former governess, Annie Moore. Beatrix wrote to them individually, long delightful letters illustrated with witty drawings and full of news about her pets and her holidays, or simply tellings stories she had invented. It was in a letter to Noel Moore, written in 1893 to cheer him up when he was ill, that she wrote down for the first time the tale of Peter Rabbit, from which she was to create her most famous children's book. Judy Taylor, biographer of Beatrix Potter, has now compiled this collection dedicated to Beatrix's letters to children. The picture letters and miniature letters are shown in facsimile and the book is illustrated with photographs and Beatrix Potter's own drawings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

Paperback

First published April 26, 2012

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to Children from Beatrix Potter collects her young correspondents and the mail they received from their favorite author. Of course, the letters that became her little books are present, but so are ones she wrote as her characters.

Judy Taylor has done us all a great service in her research. Pictures of the children and reproductions of the letters make this a visual treat. Even children with one extant letter get a full write-up, and it is charming to see the spread of Potter's fame among young readers. Often she wrote as herself; often she wrote as a character. Both are enjoyable to read, and it is fascinating to glimpse an author's correspondence with her fans.

A must for any Potter fan--it is a pure delight to see her loving the world she created, and interacting with those who enjoyed it.

O. Brown Esq MP
Owl Island.

Dear Sir
I write on behalf of my brother Nutkin to beg that as a great favor you would send him back his tail. He never makes--or asks--riddles now, and he is truly sorry that he was so rude.
Trusting that you continue to enjoy good health.
I remain yr
obedient servant
Twinkleberry Squirrel

[Bless Your Memory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a thrift shop, what a delight! Beatrix Potter was such a fabulous children’s writer and illustrator. I discovered her book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit started out as a letter to a young child when he was ill.

The chief recipients of her letters were the family of her former governor Anne Moore. Beatrix wrote them long, lively, picture letters illustrated with her witty drawings just adorable. What a keepsake to have.

[Sheelie Kittee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful! I didn't know / realize that many of her books were originally letters to children.

The only reason I would not give it 5 stars is because I wished for more biographical anecdotes and/or personal life experiences, but I suppose since it is meant to be focused on her letters to the kids, this was not intended. But I always like to know more about an author's little lifestories. and how that influences and shapes their creations.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

He thinks he might pass as a doormouse

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely collection of Beatrix' charming letters to children and also a fascinating look at the creation of her animal characters and books.

[Grace Gerardot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides so much intimate insight into Beatrix Potters personality and heart. The letters shed light on the lives she touched, enhanced by Judy Taylor’s introductions.

A Cambridge literature lecturer, a Mayor of London, a painter who died fighting fires, a daughter of a children’s magazine editor, countless nurses and soldiers, missionaries and teachers are just a few of the people she inspired. When we talk about “the world of Beatrix Potter” we are generally referring to the stories she creates, but I think the life she led and the people who visited her equally take part in that world, especially because books like The Fairy Caravan, Peter Rabbit, and Wag-by-Wall would never have been created if not for those young friends.

One falsehood this compilation of letters dispels is that Beatrix Potter did not like children. This book proves that not only did she like children, she spent a great deal of time and energy adding magic into their lives and answering their incessant questions.

Perhaps my favorite facet of this book was the elaboration of her stories. The world of Beatrix Potter (as afore mentioned) was not confined to her bound books, the tales go on. Through the letters I learned about the fates of the Flopsy bunnies, Jeremy Fishers marital status, the location of Squirrel Nutkins tail, the laundry disorganization of Mrs Tiggy Winkle, and much more. How Mrs. Heelis kept it all consistent in her mind I will never know.

These letters are certainly not brilliant works of literature, but they touched a lot of lives and by this realization I think they will touch yours too. One little girl died I believe of heart issues before the age of five, but had delighted in her years over exchanging homemade gifts with Beatrix. Beatrix’s books and letters taught young people to live (however long that may be) with integrity and to never lose their sense of wonder, and that, is more valuable than gold.

[Rachel Dorminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! I enjoyed reading this along with her collection of stories for children. In many ways, it inspired my own letter writing; how one can simply describe in a letter with delight what is happening outside their window.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first books I ever purchased myself. Loved the great illustrations and photos.