Beatrix Potter Wrote Stories

PreS-K–This installment of a board book series for young naturalists and poets simplifies the life of Beatrix Potter for the youngest readers. Coombs’s straightforward text describes Potter’s upbringing and interests with simple, though unpolished, rhymes: “Beatrix lived in the city with carriages and busy streets. Except when she bought a farm, with chickens, ponies, cows, and sheep.” Each spread presents an idea that is juxtaposed by the idea that follows, which creates a predictable pattern of opposites. Potter’s Victorian upbringing is set against her scientific studies and animal storytelling; her prim lifestyle is contrasted with her training of mice. Large and accessible illustrations accompany the text. Young readers will find the character’s expressions both delightful and endearing. Spare backgrounds help to focus the main images from the text, and a limited color palette amplifies this design choice. There is no back matter or source material included; those seeking a more comprehensive biography of Potter should look elsewhere.