The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter

Fiction | Picture Book | Early Reader Picture Book | Published in 1902

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Book Brief

Beatrix Potter

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Fiction | Picture Book | Early Reader Picture Book | Published in 1902

Book Details

Pages

Format

Picture Book • Fiction

Genre

Fantasy

Setting

English Countryside • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1902

Audience

Early reader / picture book

Super Short Summary

Written by British author Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902) follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he ventures into Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden, despite being forbidden by his mother. Peter encounters various obstacles and narrowly escapes the gardener before finally returning home to his worried mother, who then cares for him.

Playful

Adventurous

Humorous

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is widely cherished for its charming illustrations and timeless storytelling. Reviewers appreciate its gentle moral lessons and vivid portrayal of nature. Some critique its simplicity, arguing it may not engage older readers. Overall, it's celebrated for enchanting young audiences and remaining a beloved classic in children's literature.

Who Should Read The Tale of Peter Rabbit?

A reader who would enjoy The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is likely a young child or a parent reading to a child, who appreciates charming, timeless stories featuring animal characters. Comparable books include A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows.

Fun Facts

Beatrix Potter originally self-published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901 after being turned down by several publishers, printing just 250 copies before it gained popularity.

The story's inspiration came from letters Potter wrote to entertain the sick son of her former governess, in which she included illustrations and tales of various animals.

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit was one of the first books to be merchandised, with Potter patenting a Peter Rabbit doll in 1903, and later developing board games and other products featuring the character.