Beatrix Potter's Birthday Invokes Warm Family Memories

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

July 29, 2008 | The moment I realized Monday, July 28, was Beatrix Potter's birthday, I knew I had to say something about this special author. She has held the interest of adults and children for years, especially with her Tale of Peter Rabbit. Born in 1866, I believe Beatrix was way ahead of her time when it came to telling stories for children. Even though she passed away some time ago (1943), her creations will live on for eternity, entertaining children for centuries to come.

As a little girl, I would constantly request for my mom to read me the Tale of Peter Rabbit. In fact, I had a collection that was solely for display, as well as one that was for reading. That's how much I enjoyed it. I learned how to read at 3 years old and the Tale of Peter Rabbit was one of my favorites to read from the very beginning. Of course, in the beginning, I'm sure I stumbled on some words, but kept at it. Once I learned how, I probably reread it thousands of times - maybe more. I lost track. My mom would still read Peter Rabbit to my siblings and I after that as well.

Once I grew up and had kids, I knew that the Tale of Peter Rabbit would have a reserved spot in our family library. I was right. Each and every one of our children has come to love the wonderful Tale of Peter Rabbit. Countless story times have featured the adventures of Peter and his friends.

At times we have even ventured off into our own stories. Potter had the right idea with Tales of Peter Rabbit, in more ways than one. Not only is it a great adventure story for kids, but it can invoke imagination skills as well. The story is so exciting that kids can't help but imagine that they are inside the story, which after a small amount of time causes them to create their own adventures. There are also some good lessons to be learned from the story plot, some big, some small.

For this family, it comes as no surprise at all that Beatrix Potter's Tale of Peter Rabbit is still entertaining countless households with and without children. In my opinion, anyone who has never gotten the privilege to open up a copy of Peter Rabbit is missing out on a big adventure in fun and imagination.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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