Beatrix Potter - Morality Teacher

The name Beatrix Potter is often associated with the cute children’s books created at the beginning of the 20^th century.  Potter was born in 1866 and grew up in a well-to-do household in London.  She did not attend school, but rather, was taught by governesses, which limited her interaction with other children besides her younger brother, Bertram.  Each summer, her father rented a country house for three months, at first in Scotland and later in the Lake District, which allowed Potter to explore the countryside, learning about plants and animals from her own observation.  Her career as a children’s storyteller and illustrator began in 1902 when The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published.  She continued to produce about two books each year until 1910 and in all, she wrote twenty-three Peter Rabbit books.

These books have more to offer than just cute animals and beautiful illustrations – Potter’s short books also offer wonderful lessons of morality for children.  Her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, teaches children to listen to their elders, as they know what is best.  This is demonstrated by the rabbit, Peter, who after his mother tells him not to go into Mr. McGregor’s garden, does exactly that, and ends up being chased by Mr. McGregor.  Had Peter listened to his mother, he would not have gotten sick, and could have enjoyed bread, milk, and blackberries for supper with his sisters.  The story continues in 1904 with the book, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny.  In this book, Peter is visited by his cousin Benjamin Bunny, who convinces Peter to go to Mr. McGregor’s garden to retrieve his coat and shoes because Mr. McGregor is gone to town for the day.  While inside the garden, Peter appears nervous and is constantly checking his surroundings.  Peter and his cousin have a run-in with Mr. McGregor’s cat, but are saved by Mr. Benjamin Bunny, Benjamin’s father.  Peter returns home to his mother, who is happy to see that Peter has found his coat and shoes.  Perhaps the lesson in this story is that if you experience a bad feeling about something, go with your instincts and turn around before you get into trouble.

Beatrix Potter’s twenty-three children’s books teach important lessons amongst the cute illustrations of cuddly animals.  These books continue to be widely read today and their moral lessons still resonant with children around the world.

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter. London: Frederick Warne & Co., 1989. Print.