December 16
PETER RABBIT DAY
Now, wait a second. Here we are getting ready for Christmas and a visit from Santa Claus and we’re already speaking about bunny rabbits? Actually, on this day in 1901, the famous story, Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter, was printed for the first time, complete with Potter’s watercolor illustrations.
Ms. Potter had come up with the Peter Rabbit concept eight years earlier when she sent a story, told in pen and ink drawings, to a five-year-old who was sick in bed. The first story about the ill-behaved rabbit was meant to cheer up the little boy.
Of course, all good little boys and girls remember that Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail were the good little bunnies who went down the lane to gather blackberries. But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight to Mr. McGregor’s garden, and squeezed through the gate. First he ate some lettuce and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes ... and he got too fat ... and Mr. McGregor is coming ... and we gotta get out of this garden ... and it’s getting late ... we will have to finish this later.
Peter Rabbit aka The Tale of Peter Rabbit has been a bedtime favorite ever since. In fact, children throughout the world continue to enjoy the first and 22 more tales about the cotton-tailed bunny and his friends.
Now, off to bed with you. Story time is over. Nitey-nite!
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
No portion of these files may be reproduced without the express, written permission of 440 International Inc.
