THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT

Bibliography:

Potter, Beatrix. 1902. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Ill by David McPhail. Scholastic, New York.  ISBN 0-590-41101-2

Plot Summary:

     Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a book which has been enchanting children for over a hundred years. First published in 1902, it is the story of Peter and his three siblings Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail. Peter’s siblings are very good rabbits, however Peter is a little on the naughty side. Peter disregards his mother’s instructions to stay out of Mr. McGregor’s garden. While Peter is eating vegetables from the garden and getting sick, Mr. McGregor spies Peter and chases him. Peter is very scared and knows if he is caught, he will end up in a rabbit pie like his father before him. After finally finding a way out of the garden, Peter runs home where his mother puts him to bed and makes him camomile tea. Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail however, have bread, milk and blackberries for dinner.

Critical Analysis:

     Children who read this book will identify with Peter. Who among us has never disobeyed our parents which led to trouble? Even though Peter did not get caught and did not get into trouble with his mother, hopefully he learned a valuable lesson about disobedience. From this book, children can learn how the choices they make have consequences. Since he disobeyed his mother, Peter spent the evening sick in bed but Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail had a good dinner because they followed their mother’s instructions.

     David McPhail’s illustrations complement Potter’s story and assist the reader in getting a mental picture of the action. From the mother pointing her finger at Peter warning him to stay out of the garden to the surprise on Peter’s face when he comes across Mr. McGregor, the details that McPhail puts into his art will delight young readers. His use of muted colors gives the book an old fashioned feel which lends itself to the classic timelessness of the book.

Connections:

     This is a great book for lessons on disobedience and consequences. It would be a great book to share at the beginning of school when classroom rules are set and discussed.

Other books that would be good to share with a class at this time would be:
     David Goes to School by David Shannon
    No, David by David Shannon
    David Gets In Trouble by David Shannon

Review Excerpts:

AMAZON.COM:
     “Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers."

BOOKLIST:

     “Undoubtedly one of the most famous books for children, this enduring classic has been reprinted more than 100 times in the 80-plus years since its debut….”