Review of THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT

Bibliography:

Potter, Beatrix. 2001. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Illustrated by Michael Hague. New York: SeaStart Books. ISBN 1587170531

Summary:

Peter Rabbit disobeys his mother and enters Mr. McGregor’s garden. Once inside, he narrowly escapes Mr. McGregor as he tries to find his way out.

Critical Analysis:

More than 100 years after it was originally published, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, is still entertaining children around the world. Potter’s gift for storytelling is evident in this fast-paced adventure story. Young readers are immediately drawn to Peter Rabbit, “who was very naughty (and) ran straight away to Mr. McGregor’s garden” even after his mother forbade it. Despite a few dated words, children will follow Peter’s actions as he manages to slip out of one mess after another. The illustrations, which fill each page, aid in clarifying unfamiliar words, such as “sieve” or “gooseberry net”.

Although I was unable to locate a book which included Potter’s illustrations, this version is beautifully illustrated by Michael Hague. Hague uses pen, ink, watercolor, and colored pencils to bring the world of Peter Rabbit to life. The drawings are very realistic, but still include a little of the magical elements of Peter’s world. For example, the view of Mr. McGregor’s garden depicts the many plants and flowers tended by the farmer. If it weren’t for the little bunny in a blue jacket and black shoes running through the center pathway, readers would forget that this is a story about a mischievous rabbit. The combination of realism and fantasy captured in each illustration creates a magical backdrop for this timeless tale.

Connections:

Read other books by Beatrix Potter:

THE TALE OF BENJAMIN BUNNY

THE TALE OF FLOPSY BUNNIES

TALE OF JEMIMA PUDDLE-DUCK

TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN

TALE OF MISS TIGGY-WINKLE