by Linda Marshall; illus. by Ilaria Urbinati
40 pages; ages 4-8
little bee books, 2020
theme: biography, environment, illustrator
On the third floor of a London town house, a young girl sketched pictures of her pet rabbit, Benjamin Bouncer.
That’s not all she drew. The girl, Beatrix Potter also sketched frogs and mice, turtles and salamanders and, later, detailed drawings of mushrooms. Beatrix loved nature and art. She also wanted to “do something” with her life, in a time when most women were expected to focus on their family. Beatrix also loved writing stories and ended up penning some of my favorites: Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny… and about 20 more. She painted gentle scenes of her English countryside – and took steps to preserve it for the future.
What I like about this book: I love how Linda Marshall focuses on the broader environmental accomplishments of Beatrix Potter. And I love the illustrations by Ilaria Urbinati that are so reminiscent of Potter’s, drawing us into a time of teas and bunnies and cottages and sheep grazing in the meadow.
Beyond the Books:
Sketch an animal living in and around you – it could be a pet, or the stray cat that hangs out by the garden, a bird or rascally squirrel raiding the feeder. After you’ve sketched it a few times, think about dressing it up in a jacket or vest. Beatrix Potter’s rabbit was her inspiration for Peter Rabbit.
Read a Beatrix Potter story and linger on the illustrations. What do you notice about her characters and her artwork?
Are there any land trusts or nature preserves in your area? If so, try to visit one. How does it contribute to your community?
If you have a backyard, ask for permission to let part of it “go wild” for the summer. Write notes and draw pictures about what you see there.
Today we're joining Perfect Picture Book Friday, an event where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's website. Review copy provided by the publisher.
Interesting. I recall reading that she participated in foxhunting. I supposed there are multiple facets to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI've discovered most people are more complex than they appear on the surface. Around our neck of the woods, hunters and anglers are very interested in wildlife conservation.
DeleteInteresting angle for a Potter biography. Will have to find it. WRT a previous comment, as someone who grew up in the rural Midwest, it's quite common for hunters to be avid conservationists. And while I don't know about Potter's fox hunting background, it certainly isn't at odds with being a conservationist, however "unsporting" and cruel fox hunting with dogs may be.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, and a great choice of focus for her life. I grew up with Beatrix Potter and have visited her farm and house more than once in the Lake District. I also grew up sadly knowing many fox hunters.
ReplyDeletehow wonderful that you have such a personal connection!
DeleteI was excited when this book came out - I had just returned from visiting this amazing countryside and seeing just what a gift she had made to the community and the nation. It's a great book!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the environmental accomplishments of Beatrix Potter. So glad to see this book written about her life and passion for nature!
ReplyDelete