The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The Tale Of Peter Rabbit is a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations which can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Excerpt provided by Syndetics

Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree. Excerpted from The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2-Over the years, Hague has re-illustrated many texts that were in the public domain. A number of his books have given new life to overlooked work and have been widely appreciated. His reinterpretation of the work of Potter, however, is egregiously unnecessary. Potter wanted her books to be small enough for little hands to hold. Hague's book is almost twice as large. Potter's book has softly colored spot illustrations, honing in beautifully on the drama or emotions of the facing pages of text. Hague's art is overblown with extraneous details that threaten to overwhelm the plot. His rabbits with enormous eyes are reminiscent of those kitschy, large-eyed waifs popularized by the Keans in the 1960s. If Potter's books were out of print, or in danger of becoming so, one might be more receptive to Hague's version, but they are readily available and hard, if not impossible, to improve upon. Why try?-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Ages 4-8. Undoubtedly one of the most famous books for children, this enduring classic has been reprinted more than 100 times in the 80-plus years since its debut, resulting in a loss of much of the artist's careful brushwork, color, and detail. To rectify this, the original illustrations have been re-photographed, giving children and adults a beautiful new edition to love and appreciate. All 23 of Potter's treasured offerings have had similar transformations, and librarians will want to consider replacing their old copies. BE. Rabbits Fiction

Horn Book Review

McPhail's version of the classic tale features the original text and a slightly larger format, with minimal white space. His illustrations, printed on heavy cardstock, range from static and dull to lively and appealing. This version addresses the same audience as the original but with less success. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

There is absolutely no reason for anyone to purchase this travesty. McPhail is an illustrator of some talent, and his books are usually of interest. These illustrations are not up to his usual standard--the rabbits are clumsy-looking, Mr. McGregor has unnaturally short arms, and the whole seems designed for mass-market appeal. It certainly doesn't hold a candle to Potter's illustrations, now newly reproduced by Warne from the original art and superior to McPhail's in every way--including draughtsmanship, design, and fidelity to nature; at $4.95 you can have an extra copy and get change besides. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.