Synopsis
Here is Beatrix Potter's classic story of the curious little bunny who disobeys his mother and finds himself trapped in Mr. MacGregor's garden.
Children's Literature
According to some modern dictates, this story would not be well received by young readers; the language alone would render it inappropriate. After all, what four-year-old could possibly understand sparrows that "implored [Peter] to exert himself?" Fortunately, children rarely read literacy theory and so for generations have continued to enjoy this lively tale of naughtiness. This edition is delightful for its rich illustrations. Each page is saturated with color. The illustrator's use of watercolor, colored pen and pen and ink bring Beatrix Potter's English countryside to life. Alert readers will pick out the veins in the ivy leaves climbing Mr. McGregor's sundial and the individual hairs on the cat with the tail that "twitched as if it were alive." A bonus is the text's typeface. It is pleasing to the eye and easy to read, a plus for every parent, teacher or child reading this story time and again. 2001, SeaStar Books/North-South Books, $15.95 and $15.88. Ages All. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow