Monday, February 24, 2020

Bibliophile's Corner

Saving the Countryside
The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
by Linda Marshall and Ilaria Urbinati

Flap Copy Description:

Growing up in London, Beatrix Potter felt the restraints of Victorian times. Girls didn't go to school and weren't expected to work. But she longed to do something important, something that truly mattered. As Beatrix spent her summers in the country and found inspiration in nature, it was through this passion that her creativity flourished.

There, she crafted The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She would eventually move to the countryside full-time, but developers sought to change the land. To save it, Beatrix used the money from the success of her books and bought acres and acres of land and farms to prevent the development of the countryside that both she and Peter Rabbit so cherished. Because of her efforts, it's been preserved just as she left it.

This beautiful picture book shines a light on Beatrix Potter's lesser-known history and her desire to do something for the greater good.

My Thoughts:
Being a Beatrix Potter fan myself, I'm always anxious to read another book focused on the amazing children's book author/illustrator. Saving the Countryside is a fantastic addition to books about the British icon! What I most like about it (besides the wonderful illustrations by Ilaria Urbinati), is the focus it places on Ms. Potter's philanthropic efforts in saving the Lake District by donating acres and acres to the National Trust of Great Britain. Readers of all ages will learn not only about Peter Rabbit, but about the generosity of his extraordinary creator.

Click here to learn about author, Linda Elovitz Marshall.
Click here to learn about illustrator, Ilaria Urbinati.