Suzanne's Mom's Blog

Having read Linda Lear’s Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature recently, I did know the beloved children’s author had contemplated publishing a version of the folk tale “Puss in Boots.”

The publishers who “just discovered” it, have chosen not to try to emulate the naturalistic animals that made Beatrix Potter Beatrix Potter. They have chosen the more freewheeling Quentin Blake, best known for illustrating Roald Dahl books like Matilda.

Maybe it’s wise to go in a completely different direction, but Potter felt really strongly about her animals looking real. She was, after all, also a scientific illustrator. It’s best she doesn’t know.

Here is a breathless report on the new book from the BBC.

“The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots was rediscovered by publisher Jo Hanks after she found a reference to it in an out-of-print Potter biography. …

“Potter said in letters, also kept in the archive, that she had wanted to finish the story but ‘interruptions began,’ including the First World War, her marriage and illness.

“Ms Hanks said: ‘The tale really is the best of Beatrix Potter.

” ‘It has double identities, colourful villains and a number of favourite characters from other tales [including Mr Tod, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Ribby and Tabitha Twitchit].

” ‘And, most excitingly, our treasured, mischievous Peter Rabbit makes an appearance — albeit older, slower and portlier!’ …

“This year marks the 150th anniversary of Potter’s birth. The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots is being published by Frederick Warne & Co, Potter’s original publisher.”

The younger Mr. Warne was Beatrix’s first love. He died before they could be married. I recommend the Linda Lear biography for deep insight.

More at the BBC.

Art: Beatrix Potter
From the unfinished manuscript of Kitty-in-Boots, Frederick Warne & Co./the Victoria and Albert Museum.