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PETER RABBIT and Beatrix Potter!
I simply love the story of Peter and his cousin bunnies. Springtime is a time of renewal and new birth. It is a delightful season when flowers bloom and birds sing. And every springtime, I think about this wonderful story of a feisty little bunny.
I remember with great joy shopping at Harrods during my first visit to London. I found there a wonderful teacup and saucer with illustrations taken from Beatrix Potter's beloved Peter Rabbit.The illustration represents springtime. The teacup and saucer were a gift for my mother. When I returned home, I realized that there were three other sets in the series - one for each of the seasons. I set out over the next few years to locate and purchase the other three sets for my mother. Now she keeps the full series in her breakfront in her dining room. Each time I happen to see them, I remember with fondness my love for this eternally favorite children's picture book!
~K~
Spring is one of my favorite times of year. I love getting my yard ready for summertime by planting my flowers and setting up the patio furniture. I love when the weather is just right to eat dinner outside, which we do almost every day! I love the feeling of mild fresh air after being cooped up in the house all winter. I love that my children are finally able to run around the yard and let out some built-up energy! My son, who is an avid animal lover, enjoys watching all the birds that fly by and hopes one will make our birdhouse his new home. These are just a few things that, to me, are synonymous with springtime.
I often think of the e.e. cummings' poem "the little horse is newlY" who "knows nothing and feels everything". To me, that is exactly what springtime is like...feeling everything almost for the first time because it has been so long since we last felt that freshness in the air. This is my beginning of the year, so much more than January 1. This is the time of year I am "starting over" and this is when I have the most motivation to do so!
Peter Rabbit is synonymous with springtime. This story always makes its way off the bookshelf at this time of year, just as we get our own gardens ready and just as some of the neighborhood rabbits begin to emerge from their dens. I think one of the main attractions to the story is that it seems to come to life in my own backyard! According to my son, all the bunnies we see ARE Peter Rabbit, and they ARE trying to get into our garden! Aside from this, the illustrations are of obvious note. The calming colors and flowing lines of the drawings add to its charm.
~N~
So here are just a few, out of many, fun ideas to help you enjoy reading Peter Rabbit!
The titles link to the websites.
The titles link to the websites.
It should be noted that the official Peter Rabbit website has a great deal of fun links. There are character of the month and game features, as well as links to purchase various Peter Rabbit merchandise.
Nick Jr will be airing a new show based on the book. They have posted several fun craft projects to coincide with the show. This one is an easy craft and makes something that children would be able to play with for awhile. I know my son really enjoys making his own "toys". It gives him so much pride when he makes something on his own. He even wanted to make one for his little sister!
Marshmallows and Rice Krispies! These are basically rice krispie treats in the form of a carrot, with some extra decorations. I showed my son these and he was so excited to make them that we brought the finished results to his school party. I like treats that are easy to transport and that don't make too much of a mess when the kids are munching away.
While the Peter Rabbit Carrots are more kid friendly, these are perfect for the adults! This blog is wonderfully written and takes into account two of my favorite things...reading and eating!!! The author has taken a traditional tart recipe and has altered it using more accessible ingredients. These tarts are, of course, based upon the bunnies going out to gather blackberries. These would be fun for a Peter Rabbit themed first birthday party, or baby shower.
The tales and Peter Rabbit and springtime simply cultivate our desire to begin gardening. The Life Lab website brings learning to life in the garden. Visit the site to find some wonderful resources for educators and families.
Another wonderful website for educators and families is Kids Gardening. Take some time to explore all of the resources. You will find so many was to introduce Spring in your classroom and in your home!
"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter."
I adore Beatrix Potter. When my son was small, we went to the Lake District, and it was amazing to see where BP created her inimitable, loveable books. Your carrot crisp cakes are a tribute to her work. Thank you for linking to Foodie Friday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Michael! I love to visit your blog. It is always inspiring. I am always so happy to read about another fan of Beatrix Potter. She is certainly one of my favorite children book authors.
DeleteThanks for linking this to the Tasty Tuesdays link party! :)
ReplyDelete