Beatrix
Potter (1866-1943) Beatrix Potter is best known as the creator and illustrator
of the children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." Born in London in
1866, Potter had a lonely childhood, much of which was spent in the
English countryside, away from friends and neighbors. Her pet rabbit
Peter helped relieve her boredom and eventually became the inspiration
for the main character of her book. Potter began her writing career
after completing her studies in art and natural history. "The Tale of
Peter Rabbit," published in 1900, was the first in a series of books.
For the remainder of her life, Potter continued to create wonderful
fantasies about rabbits, squirrels, mice, frog and other creatures that
have constantly piqued the interest of children. She died in 1943, leaving
a legacy of tales that still retain their popularity with children today.
