The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson

The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit Reviews

• 
  Bionic Jean

  In the summer of 2010, Frederick Warne, the publisher of the Peter Rabbit stories by Beatrix Potter, invited Emma Thompson to write a sequel. The way they approached her must be unique - and proved to be irresistible. In the introduction to The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit the author tells how the story came about.
  
  In Emma Thompson's post one day, she received a small cardboard box containing a half-eaten radish leaf and a letter from Peter Rabbit, saying that a "certain mischievous twinkle" in her eye had made her the perfect person to write another story about his adventures. And so has proved to be the case. Emma Thompson's witty, sensitive scripts and screenplays did indeed make her the perfect candidate, and this story, which was published in 2012 for the 110th anniversary of the book’s original publication, is as charming as you would expect. Of the letter, she has said,
  
  "It was such a witty invitation, and it was very clever because in a sense I was completely tricked. If they had sent some official letter I would have said don’t be ridiculous, I can’t think of anything I want to do less than step into the footsteps of a genius like Potter."
  
  Emma Thompson, like thousands of children around the world, grew up with the tales of Peter Rabbit, and his friends, other woodland and farm animals. They are anthropomorphic characters who wear clothes and behave much as their human counterparts do. In her case the stories were read aloud to her by her father Eric Thompson, who is famous for adapting and narrating the TV series "The Magic Roundabout". She has combined these memories with other childhood memories of visits to Scotland, and this story is set there too, partly as a homage to Beatrix Potter's love for Scotland.
  
  Peter Rabbit is completely in character. He is as mischievous as ever, getting into trouble by squeezing under the gate into Mr McGregor’s garden, in a way which will delight all children, and feel very familiar to readers who already know him. His greed for the cheese and pickle sandwich inside inside a picnic basket proves too strong ... and before you can say "Peter Rabbit", he has been inadvertently whisked away to an unfamiliar place, peopled with huge and very scary rabbits, such as Finlay McBurney,
  
  "a huge black rabbit in a kilt, a dagger thrust into the top of his laced-up boot."
  
  But all is well, as the giant turns out to be his cousin. In the story there is mention of tartans and turnips, radishes and haggis - and the plot hinges on a quirky interpretation of the Highland Games. The description of these will bring a smile of recognition to many readers' faces,
  
  "Most of them involved throwing something very heavy as far a possible ... Quite soon Peter thought it very boring."
  
  Peter is soon up to his naughty tricks, gets into trouble, feels guilty when he receives something to which he is not entitled, and ends up feeling sad and homesick. Children all over will identify with this lovable rogue.
  
  The illustrations to the story are also excellent, with a naturalistic environment very much in the original gentle watercolour style of Beatrix Potter herself. The artist is Eleanor Taylor, who grew up in Scotland and England. She has perfectly captured the characters we know so well.
  
  It is interesting to remember that the impetus for this book came from the publishers Frederick Warne. Beatrix Potter had a uniquely close relationship with this publisher. One editor there, Norman Warne, had originally encouraged her to write her stories. She fell in love with him and they got engaged, even though her parents disapproved. Sadly though, a month later, Norman died. Frederick Warne clearly wanted to use a personal touch for commemorating the 110th anniversary, and wanted a sensitive writer to recapture the magic of the original stories. The letter to Emma Thompson parallels the way the stories initially came about. In 1893 Beatrix Potter had heard that a young child she knew was unwell. She then wrote a story to cheer him up, and sent it as a letter. The characters she invented - Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, and the fearsome gardener, Mr McGregor, have gone down in history.
  
  The story has been additionally published in the original miniature size of Beatrix Potter's books, but the one reviewed here is a full-size picture book, with a CD of Emma Thompson reading it affixed inside the back cover. A year later, in 2013, Emma Thomson also wrote a further sequel, entitled, "The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit". As Emma Thompson observes,
  
  "Potter didn’t write for children, she wrote for everyone."
• 
  Ashley Marie

  I can't believe I missed adding this here. It was such an adorable read, and felt very much in the vein of the original stories. Scottish McBunneh was amazing and I want him -cuddles-
• 
  Kaethe

  I have tremendous respect for Emma Thompson, but I did not care for this. It plays up the madcap adventures angle, and tames down the imminent danger, which is more in keeping with modern sentiment, but is also kind of less interesting.
  
  Also, what the hell is wrong with the English? How is it none of them can write of Scotland without kilts and haggis? Honestly I'm surprised there weren't any bagpipe jokes. Why the hell would rabbits have haggis? They're vegetarians! Also, how quickly does Thompson think McGregor and wife can get to the highlands in their open wagon?
  
  This reads very much like the scripts for the episodes of any animated kids show based on a really awesome book: it's similar, but weak sauce. I think it's clear that Potter didn't really know what she wanted to do with her stories, and they're all over the place. But that's part of the charm to me.
  
  Likewise, the art is lovely, but Peter is looking much younger and rounder. Less like an actual rabbit in a coat and cuter. But I love how accurate the animals are, despite their clothes, in Potter's books.
  
  Library copy
• 
  🌶 peppersocks 🧦

  Reflections and lessons learned:
  “‘Throw the radish…!’…but he did not know, most of the radish was inside… Peter!”
  
  Hehe! As cute and lovely as I’d hoped for, and quite in step with the previous stories! What a great choice in Thompson!
• 
  Kandice

  In keeping with this timeless Easter "Bunnytail" here is my review of The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit.
  
  Is it easier for children of the 21st century to comprehend the original works of Beatrix Potter? I beg to differ. By the time children would understand the language used in Potter's series, they would totally be over bunnies, rodents, and other small animals. So bravo to Emma Thompson for keeping with the Potter theme, yet crafting her story-telling to compliment Potter without losing the audience for which it was intended.
  The illustrations are beautiful, but I prefer Beatrix Potter's beautiful colour palette and fine details.
  
  I have a nostalgic soul and a love for Beatrix Potter's Classic Tale. However, my almost 3 yr old son cannot appreciate Potter's/Thompson's work. And I'm okay with that. While reading the Classic Tale, I had to modify details. I think both Potter and Thompson might appreciate that. Even if they don't, we still had a fun ride. :-)
  
  Happy Easter, GR Friends!
• 
  cọng rơm

  trời ơi bể tim vì hai bạn thỏ bé nhỏ quá dễ thương!!! T_T
  coi tranh mà xụt xịt ôm tim Y_Y
  liêu xiêu lao xao leo xeo lun đó ;_;
• 
  [Name Redacted]

  MY FAVORITE ACTRESS WROTE A SEQUEL TO THE WORK OF BEATRIX POTTER.
  THIS BOOK MUST BE MINE.
  I WILL SACRIFICE ALL OF YOU TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
• 
  Sarah83 sbookshelf

  So eine schöne neue Geschichte über Peter Hase. Emma Thompson hat wirklich den Geist der Geschichten eingefangen, aber trotzdem hat sie ihre eigene Version geschrieben. 🐰🐇
• 
  Jenna

  Tämä on Emma Thompsonin mukaelma Beatrix Potterin Petteri Kaniini -tarinoista. Minun on myönnettävä pitkin hampain, että pidin tästä uudistetusta kaniini-kirjasta. Potterin henki on kauniisti läsnä teoksessa.
• 
  writer...

  Audio version features expressive reading by author
  Emma Thompson. Enjoyment for both wee listeners and adult companion!
• 
  Kristina

  How did I not know that this lovely little book existed?! It is not only a further tale of my beloved Peter but it also set in Scotland!!! I mean, could you ask for more? <3
• 
  EvaLovesYA

  Also posted on
  Eva Lucias blog
  
  Tak til Bazar for anmeldereksemplaret!
  
  Peter Kanin er naturligvis Beatrix Potters elskede værk og alle har på et eller andet tidspunkt stiftet bekendskab med den søde og elskværdige kanin, som man ikke kan stå for. I denne udgave har skuespilleren Emma Thompson fanget essensen og skabt Peter Kanin og Kæmperadisen i en ny form.
  
  Illustrationerne er smukke og humoristiske, og man kommer nemt ind i stemningen, som historien tillader. Desuden er historien naturligvis oplagt til højtlæsning og alle kan være med, voksne så som små. Det er ikke den længste fortælling og når den er slut, så ønsker man, at der er mere. Man længes simpelthen efter flere gode historier, for de byder på humor, kærlighed, venskab og eventyr i øjenhøjde til børn.
  
  Jeg husker, da jeg besøgte Windermere (Lake District i England) og ved et tilfælde fandt vej til Beatrix Potters hus et stykke derfra. Jeg blev så begejstret, for stemningen i historierne er noget helt særligt og efter at have set det med egne øjne, så er det så tydeligt, hvor hendes idéer og fortællinger kom fra: den smukke natur! De skønne, bløde og grønne bakker i smukke omgivelser med plads til leg og eventyrlige ture.
  
  Jeg glæder mig til at læse mere. Beatrix Potter har skabt et mesterværk, som har været elsket af både unge og gamle, og den litterære kærlighed vil fortsætte. Emma Thompsons version er rigtig god og prøver ikke at gøre noget vildere end den skal. Den holder sig til tonen, sproget og hvordan det burde være. Det er dejligt at se en så smuk formidling.
  
  
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• 
  Rekha

  I have a definite fondness for Potter's Peter Rabbit so that's probably most of it. The drawing and story are perfectly done for Beatrix Potter fans- cozy, comforting, pastoral sweetness. Thompson did a great job of keeping the tone of the original books in her language, while gently updating the feel just the right amount. It's a bit long and has some challenging words so would make a good one-on-one read aloud.
• 
  Michel

  One of the great things about a 6-year old grandson is you have an excuse to read things like this (just to be sure it's age-appropriate, you see).
  A fantastic book! Wakes up the little boy (or girl) in us: the words, the thoughts, the questions, the marvel and the anguish of not understanding everything.
  And the story is told with such gusto, why even the typefaces participate.
  Highly recommended, whether you have a 6-year old to share it with or not.
• 
  Kathy

  Well, I work at a bookstore and this book came across my desk this morning. I have never read any Peter Rabbit books before, but I have always meant to. So, with that in mind, I just had to pick it up.....and then I couldn't put it down. What a sweet story! Now, I definitely have to catch up and read the original Peter Rabbit books!
• 
  ღ Carol jinx~☆~☔ʚϊɞ

  I love Beatrix Potter's art and stories of Peter Rabbit and all his friends.
  This is a really good story for kids and the illustrations are amazing. I want more adventures to read about that rascally rabbit.
• 
  Katy Kelly

  Lovely, beautifully illustrated and a very faithful story.
• 
  Hong

  I rolled my eyes the entire way through. I can't imagine any child finding this entertaining either.
• 
  Mai Lien Nguyen

  Ngoài dễ thương ra còn biết nói gì hơn. hiuhiuhiu
• 
  Thuỳ Vân

  Haha, siêu dễ thương. Tự nhiên phát minh ra chữ "cà nựng" nhớ tới cảnh hai đứa nó rúc rích ôm nhau ngủ khi đang rất vui sướng.
• 
  Fresh_chords

  Very cute!
• 
  K. McDevitt

  This story was such a delight! Emma Thompson and Eleanor Taylor brought me swiftly back into Peter Rabbit's realm with a quirky, amusing story the felt very Peter-ish indeed and with artwork that was in Beatrix Potter's style, though obviously not hers. There were so many things I loved about this little story:
  1. Peter feasts and slips into a happy food nap not once but twice. The first time, he wakes up to find himself in Scotland! (Oh, I do love Scotland)
  2. Peter meets his cousin, Finlay (which happens to be the name of my parents' dog, not a name I encounter often)
  3. Peter sees a KEEP OUT sign. "I imagine it will not surprise you to hear that Peter did not KEEP OUT. He WENT IN." The book is peppered with adorable bits like this. Emma Thompson's writing style is conversational and so much fun. She gets the rabbits so very in character as well. No, the word choice isn't the same as Ms. Potter's, but I wouldn't have wanted it to be. This is a more modern, updated way of telling a story and fits well as both a further story of Peter and a story today's children could easily understand.
  4. We get to see a little of Mrs. McGregor
  5. Highland games! Oh, I cannot resist some Highland games!
  6. Emma Thompson reads the book on the accompanying CD, and she puts so much emotion into the reading it instantly came to life from word one. Her storytelling is already top-notch, but her audio presentation of it makes it even better.
  7. There is also lovely music that plays throughout the story, including sections where it is just music alone and including quite a bit of wonderful bagpipes!
  8. The illustrations are beautiful and fit right into Beatrix Potter's world. There are some recognizable tributes, like the little robin on the green watering can and Mr. McGregor in the distance in his garden. There are also some smaller images throughout in corners of pages like bonus little images for the story that keep the movement going vividly.
  9. Eleanor Taylor's black rabbit Finlay in a kilt is completely my new favorite. I especially love when he doesn't mind Peter's little trick and how he cries when it's time for Peter to head back home. Awww.
  10. Benjamin Bunny, supposedly all wise and knowing, being jealous of Peter's great adventure was the icing on the cake.
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially with the accompanying audio production and the absolutely gorgeous illustrations (page 20's thistles are suitable for framing, though any one of these images would be lovely to have as well).
• 
  Gözde Yeşilsefa

  Yine metin yazarı kankeytom Duygu sayesinde deli gibi aradığım ve sonunda tam aramıyorken bulduğum müthiş bir masal. Beauty and The Beast’in yeni gelecek Liva Action filminin fragmanlarını okurken Emma Thompson hakkında konular konuları açtı ve ilk defa onun ayrıca başarılı bir masal kitabı yazarı olduğunu öğrendim. Ama öğrenmekle kalamazdım öyle değil mi? Gidip mutlaka bu kitabı almalıydım. Şansıma Nişantaşı Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları’nda son iki taneyi kaptım. Kapabildiğime de çok memnunum. İlk memnuniyetsizliğim kitabın Çin'de basılması, gerçi "Uzakdoğu" yazıyor ama bilemedim. Tabi o ülkeler ciltli kitapları o kadar ucuza basıyor ki, yayıncı bu avantajdan faydalanmasa şaşardım. Yine de sağlığım konusunda endişeliydim okurken. Halbuki sağlık konusunda benim gibileri mutlu etmek adına küçük bir damga basmışlar. Yine de kim bilir? Tavşan Peter beni çok eğlendirdi. Kaçması, yalan söylememesi, annesinin onun için endişelenmesi çok güzeldi. Obur oluşu, evden gitmesi ve izinsiz bir şeyler yemesi hoş değildi tabi. Ama sonunda yalan söylemedi, herkes onu affetti işte önemli olan şeyler buydu. Üstüne arkadaşı bir daha gidersen beni de alır mısın dedi. İçim acıdı ve çok sevindim. Yüreğime dokundu Peter. Annesinin ayakkabılar için bir şey dememesi falan sevindim yahu!
• 
  The Library Lady

  I am of 2 minds about this.
  First off, the art work is beautifully done.
  Eleanor Taylor channels Beatrix Potter's original art beautifully in both line and use of color. And Thompson's telling has the droll-without-being-twee tones of the original prose.
  
  However, I am hoping that Thompson does not churn out a never ending series of these, because they are just a tad reminiscent of the awful "Curious George Goes.." knockoffs that have been made from the original
  H A Rey books. Plot=Peter is told by his mother not to do something, Peter does it anyway, Peter gets in trouble, Peter gets out of trouble, Peter goes home to be put to bed by Mother Rabbit. They're cute and sweet, but a never ending dose of this tends to water down the charm of the original.
• 
  Elizabeth

  Normally if I see a redux of a classic children's book (or film) held dear to my heart, I tend to freak out like HOW DARE YOU?!? But...this...is so sweet!??!
  
  The illustrations are cozy and evoke the same sort of nostalgia without being awful or carbon copies of the original. Emma Thompson did an amazing job too. I should've known her writing would be excellent after reading her diary of Sense and Sensibility, but it was still such a pleasant surprise.
  
  These will make excellent gifts for my nieces and to be honest, for me as well.
  
  
• 
  Jennifer

  Totally adorable! Found this gem at the library and my 6-year-old daughter and I loved following along with the audiobook read by the amazing Emma Thompson herself. Inspired us to pull out my Beatrix Potter collection and read all those charming books to her at bedtime. Some actors/celebrities try to write children's books with mediocre results, but Thompson is the real deal. She is a truly talented writer and her illustrator captures the spirit of Potter's original paintings to perfection!
• 
  Christina

  I've been curious about this book for a while. I love Emma Thompson's work as an actress, and she did a good job creating a children's book. The illustrations by Eleanor Taylor (who should have gotten cover credit) were lovely. But the story feels like a modern one--though featuring Potter's characters, the plot didn't feel like her work.
• 
  Monica

  It’s an adorable book with whimsical illustrations that are brought to life by Emma Thompson’s narration. I was looking on Libby for the original Peter Rabbit and was pleasantly surprised by this ☺️
  
  I’m going to have to make sure my sister knows about it to have her read it with my niece and nephew.