Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch
Common Sense says
age 2+
Beloved rabbits return in comforting Halloween tale.
- Beatrix Potter
- Holiday
- 2013
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
Educational Value
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence & Scariness
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What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny once again sneak into Mr. McGregor's garden in Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch, a Halloween-themed story based on the late Beatrix Potter's enduring characters. Peter hopes to avoid getting into trouble with his mother, and the observant Mrs. Rabbit suspects he's already learned his lesson (and he did).
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What's the story?
Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny are eager to sample the pumpkins and parsnips in Mr. McGregor's garden. The pair sneak out in the night to enjoy the fall harvest. But Peter's skittish: He's worried about owls, spooked by a looming scarecrow, startled by a cat in a window. When a gust of wind knocks over garden tools with a thump and a crash, Peter bolts for home with Benjamin on his heels. They slip back into Peter's house to find Mrs. Rabbit hosting a festive Halloween party. She can tell Peter has been up to some mischief but thinks he's learned his lesson and doesn't need further discipline. So the bunnies are free to enjoy creamy boiled pumpkin in the comfort of home.
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Is it any good?
PETER RABBIT AND THE PUMPKIN PATCH is a gentle Halloween treat that preserves the spirit of Beatrix Potter's much-loved original tale. The shivery parts are rooted in real-world frights -- scary sounds and shadows in the dark -- that resonate with little ones. At the story's end, the rabbits' home glows warmly and brightly, enfolding Peter and Benjamin with comfort and understanding.
The illustrations serve the story well enough, honoring Potter's style although lacking her charm. The subdued palette and quiet tone of the story won't engage all readers, but children who appreciate this style of storytelling or are already familiar with Peter Rabbit will enjoy it. It's a lovely read before they venture out for trick-or-treating.
Talk to your kids about ...
- Families can talk about the consequences of Peter's behavior. Do you think he learned his lesson?
- Peter's frightened of things that prove harmless: the spooky shape is just a scarecrow, the cat is safely indoors, the startling noise is just the wind. What familiar things in your home seem scarier at night?
- Talk about which vegetables are in season in the fall and which ones are your favorites. Try cooking your own pumpkin and roasting the seeds.
Book details
- Author: Beatrix Potter
- Illustrator: Ruth Palmer
- Genre: Holiday
- Topics: Adventures, Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Frederick Warne
- Publication date: August 15, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 2 - 5
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
For kids who love Halloween
Our editors recommend
Great Halloween treat won't spook small ones.
age 2+
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