The Tale of Peter Rabbit

by Beatrix Potter

Overview

Mr. McGregor has two things on his mind when he sees Peter in his garden. One is the safety of his lettuces; the other is rabbit pie. Peter was carefully told not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden, but some little bunnies have to learn things the hard way.
Beatrix Potter's classic story has been lovingly placed at the center of this creative effort, and David Jorgensen has given Peter and his family wonderfully droll and expressive character and charm in his illustrations. On the accompanying audiocaasette, Meryl Streep explores all of the drame, humor, and subtlety of the narrative, and none of its potential to entertain and teach has been left untapped. Musician/composer Lyle Mays has coordinated and augmented the work of both illustrator and narrator with a score that unifies and enlivens the whole enterprise. The combined artistry of the contributors results in a new and enriching experience that will be loved by all. The Tale of Peter Rabbit was awarded a Grammy nomination for best recording for children in 1988.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780723247708
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	09/16/2002
Series:	Peter Rabbit , #1
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	72
Sales rank:	137,861
Product dimensions:	4.18(w) x 5.44(h) x 0.45(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Beatrix Potter loved the countryside and spent much of her childhood drawing and studying animals. The Tale of Peter Rabbit¸ published in 1902, was her first book, expanded from an illustrated letter she had sent to a young friend. Beatrix Potter went on to publish more than 20 tales and collections of rhymes.

Read an Excerpt

Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree.

Editorial Reviews

PreS-Gr 2-Over the years, Hague has re-illustrated many texts that were in the public domain. A number of his books have given new life to overlooked work and have been widely appreciated. His reinterpretation of the work of Potter, however, is egregiously unnecessary. Potter wanted her books to be small enough for little hands to hold. Hague's book is almost twice as large. Potter's book has softly colored spot illustrations, honing in beautifully on the drama or emotions of the facing pages of text. Hague's art is overblown with extraneous details that threaten to overwhelm the plot. His rabbits with enormous eyes are reminiscent of those kitschy, large-eyed waifs popularized by the Keans in the 1960s. If Potter's books were out of print, or in danger of becoming so, one might be more receptive to Hague's version, but they are readily available and hard, if not impossible, to improve upon. Why try?-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Peter Rabbit and his sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail go out to play while mother is out shopping. There's one place they're not allowed: Mr Macgregor's garden, where Peter's poor father met a sticky end, once upon a time.

However, naughty Peter pays his mother's advice no heed and sneaks under the gate to munch on Mr Macgregor's delicious carrots. Even though Peter makes a hurried escape, his over-full tummy is his final undoing when mother puts him to bed without any dinner and just a cup of chamomile tea.

Beatrix Potter's iconic tale of the naughty rabbit has been a favourite with children and parents ever since it was published in 1902. Potter's charming, expressive rabbits have a timeless charm, and the story of the gentle consequences of disobeying one's parents is as relevant as ever. - Book Trust UK

From the Publisher