The Tale of Peter Rabbit-

Kathey Smith

Picture Book Review- The Tale of Peter Rabbit

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY
Potter, Beatrix. 1988. The Tale of
Peter Rabbit. Ill. by Michael Hague.
Hong Kong: SeaStar Books. ISBN
1587170523

2.     PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, Beatrix
Potter writes about a mother rabbit and her four young rabbits.  Potter presents the mother providing
instructions for her young while she goes to the bakery.  One of the young rabbits by the name of peter
does not follow his mother’s instructions and ends up in a scary situation that
takes a lot of work to get out of.  When
the young rabbit returns home he is so exhausted his mother thinks he may not
feel well and gives him some medicine and put him to bed.  This young rabbit does not get to enjoy the goodies that his mother brings back from the bakery.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Potter’s writing is simple and straight to
the point.  She is very descriptive and
applies a sense of humor throughout the book.

Michael Hague does a wonderful job with the
illustrations.  Hague’s pictures are full
of color, energy and humor.  The expressions
on the characters faces are captured and make the reader really connect with
the emotion that is presented at that time.

This book may be an easy read for gradessecond and higher, however it offers interest a
understanding, this book has a story line that can be linked to cause and effect.

  4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

Library Talk- First published in hardcover in 2001, Michael Hague's
version of the classic tale of Peter Rabbit and his foray into Farmer McGregor's
garden makes a perfect Easter gift. “Nicely updated version of Potter's
charming tale."  

5.     CONNECTIONS

This book could be a good resource to aide in teaching young children about obedience and consequences or cause and effect.