Animal Magic

Left: the original Rabbit family.

Illustration from The Tale of
Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.

© Frederick Warne & Co., 1902, 2002.

Children's authors have turned to animals for inspiration for generations. Over the years children have delighted in tigers coming to tea, arrogant car-driving toads, stout yellow bears and oversized Dalmatian litters and countless other animal friends.

Perhaps some of the best-known stories about Britain's native animals are the Beatrix Potter tales of life in woodlands, attics, farms, rivers and country gardens. Children love her detailed illustrations and simple stories.

Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten and their friends are wonderful characters to introduce to your child. They can inspire children to draw, paint or write about animals too. See if your youngster can make up a story or adventure for their favourite animal.

As well as sharing the stories, there are museums around the country that are well worth a visit for Potter fans.

The Beatrix Potter Trail from The 24 Hour Museum celebrates Peter Rabbit's 100th birthday. Click on this link to visit the trail.

Frederick Warne & Co. is the owner of all rights, copyrights and trademarks in the Beatrix Potter character names and illustrations.

Beatrix Potter illustrations are reproduced by kind permission of Frederick Warne & Co.