March 10, 2009

Children's Classics: Beatrix Potter

I have a funny story about today's carnival. As of this weekend, I had not checked out a Beatrix Potter book, although I had seen several of her books the last time I was at the library & had every intention of doing so. I was waiting for Timothy to finish Sunday School when I happened to see 1 book on the bookshelf: The Tale of Benjamin Bunny. Random! So I "checked out" this book from my church! It's a sweet tale of how Peter Rabbit and Benjamin (his cousin) go to Mr. McGregor's garden to retrieve Peter's clothes and find themselves in a bit of trouble. Their rescue is quite unexpected! Your kids will love it!

I have to say that modern technology is so cool because if you have an iphone, you can download this book, for only $0.99! And the Beatrix Potter website truly invites you and your children into The World of Peter Rabbit.

As we walked to the car, after leaving Timothy's class, he said, "Mom, don't we have a bunny book that has puzzles?" It took me a second, and then I remembered! We own a book called The Peter Rabbit Jigsaw Puzzle Book. Each page is a different Peter-themed 9-piece puzzle. I put it on a high shelf in my closet because when it's on the kids' bookcases it tends to fall apart. By doing this, I still have all the pieces...two years later! Not to mislead, the author is Frederick Warne, but it is based on Potter's works. Even though it is not written by her, it opens up the world of Peter Rabbit to the pre-reader. Both kids have loved it! And I feel like it has created a familiarity with the characters that helped introduce the kids to Potter's books.

I must close by saying I have seen the movie Miss Potter, and it is darling! Besides being a great movie of romance and drama, it has a delightful surprise that I wouldn't dare give away!

For more books by Beatrix Potter, visit Children's Classics at 5 Minutes for Books!

7 comments:

Stephanie said...

Wasn't Frederick Warne the name of her publisher (Ewan McGregor's character) in Miss Potter? Am I remembering that right? :) I loved the movie and now I think I need to watch it again. :)

Alicia said...

Stephanie, I never would have caught that! I just looked it up, and Fred Warne is the nephew of Norman Warne, Beatrix's publisher! Everything seems to be copyrighted under Fred's name!

Carrie said...

What a GREAT puzzle book! That sounds really awesome!

I tried reading some Potter with my two year old son this past month but he just didn't get into it. I'm assuming we'll have to wait a year or so before we can adequately appreciate the stories. So, I'll look forward to doing that in the future! For now, I'm just enjoying reading what others had to say and I LOVED your post! You sound like you are just having fun!

Unknown said...

What a funny story! Thanks for the little extras in regards to PR.

morninglight mama said...

I didn't get to see the movie when it came out, and I guess I sorta forgot about it since then. I'll have to check out the DVD-- you've intrigued me with the teaser you gave there!

Anonymous said...

I've been trying to get Miss Potter from the library, but it's always checked out. Thanks for a positive recommendation on it!

Stephanie Kay said...

I made it to the library last night and came home with several Potter books. I love the Benjamin & Peter get "disciplined." :)