Nearly every book list geared toward homeschoolers will include Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales, or at least a story or two from the collection.
The shenanigans of Peter Rabbit and his cohorts still delight readers of all ages. Each character is unique, with cleverly crafted traits and a very particular personality…. These characters are endearing because they are true to life. They suffer consequences for disobedience and wrong choices. Potter’s stories have a universal appeal, transcending time and country.
Jan Bloom, Who Should We Then Read?
As with most children’s books that have withstood the test of time, the books appeal to not only children, but adults. As Books Children Love explains:
A lovely book to treasure and read to succeeding generations of children. They will love Potter’s engaging tales as dearly as their grandparents and parents did — and still do!
Elizabeth Wilson, Books Children Love
Beatrix Potter’s tales began when Peter Rabbit first made his appearance in The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, followed by 22 other tales that you will find in Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales. Each original tale (but one) is available online:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902)
“A pacy story with an engaging hero, an exciting chase and a happy ending, matched with exquisite illustrations, adds up to a children’s classic whose appeal is ageless.” (The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter)- The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (1903)
- The Tailor of Gloucester (1903)
- The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904)
- The Tale of Two Bad Mice (1904)
- The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (1905)
- The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan (1905)
- The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher (1906)
- The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit (1906)
A personal favorite. The author was asked by a child who “had told Beatrix that Peter was too good a rabbit, and she wanted a story about a really naughty one!” Well, as the story goes: “This is a man with a gun…. The good Rabbit peeps out of its hole. And it sees the bad Rabbit tearing past — without any tail or whiskers!” - The Story of Miss Moppet (1906)
- The Tale of Tom Kitten (1907)
“Tom was very naughty…. And I think that some day I shall have to make another, larger, book, to tell you more about Tom Kitten!” - The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck (1908)
- The Tale of Samuel Whiskers or, The Roly-Poly Pudding (1908)
Another personal favorite. “‘Anna Maria! Anna Maria!’ squeaked the rat. There was a pattering noise and an old woman rat poked her head round a rafter…. All in a minute she rushed upon Tom Kitten, and before he knew what was happening— …. ‘Anna Maria,’ said the old man rat (whose name was Samuel Whiskers),— ‘Anna Maria, make me a kitten dumpling roly-poly pudding for my dinner.’” - The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies (1909)
- The Tale of Ginger and Pickles (1909)
- The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse (1910)
- The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes (1911)
- The Tale of Mr. Tod (1912)
- The Tale of Pigling Bland (1913)
- Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes (1917)
Unfortunately we have not been able to locate this title online. Have a suggestion? - The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse (1918)
- Cecily Parsley’s Nursery Rhymes (1922)
- The Tale of Little Pig Robinson (1930)
Additional Resources
Activities
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Three interactive activities with teacher resources/instructions.
Books
Country Artist: A Story About Beatrix Potter by David Collins
Nice biography Beatrix Potter emphasizing her Victorian upbringing.
Units & Lesson Plans
Teacher’s Resources
Downloadable modules originally part of the UK Early Years Curriculum.
Tale of Peter Rabbit
Unit study and lapbook printables covering Beatrix Potter, rabbits and gardening.
Notebooking Helps
Peter Rabbit Lapbook Resources
Very nice 15-page download of foldables and forms from HomeschoolShare.
Beatrix Potter Copywork
Illustrated copywork (tracing) for several of the titles:
They are in the public domain or available at no cost. We try to choose the best from among the rest. And the price is right!
