When I was a child, my mother did not know what to do with my endless energy. Every time she turned around, I was getting into some kind of mischief. Whether it was hiding from her in the clothing racks at a mall (c’mon, we ALL loved doing this to our parents) or wandering off in a crowded place or simply touching something that was extremely breakable, I definitely caused my mother to sprout a few premature gray hairs on her head.
One thing though that always stopped me in my tracks was a great story. Whether it was my mother and me making up a story together or reading a book to myself during her errands – I always gravitated toward stories about characters that got into mischief as well.
When people think of “daring” or “fearless” characters in books, names that may come to mind include “Katniss Everdeen” or “Harry Potter” or "Captain Underpants"; however, I would say that Beatrix Potter’s anthology of animal protagonists definitely fit this mold of “rebels with a cause.”
I vividly remember the stories of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin and friends. These animals (like many of their child readers), were always getting into some kind of trouble. That was what made Beatrix Potter and her stories so powerful. These short tales captured the pure essence of childhood – adventure and curiosity – along with the struggles parents face when raising children. The books speak to the entire family.
As we celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday today, I suggest parents pick up a copy of one of Potter’s beloved tales. These classics still ring true and are full of life lessons.
Before bed tonight, pull aside your little "Peter Rabbit" of "Miss Moppet" and read these classics – it may teach them a lesson or two along the way as well.
And don’t worry, I constantly thank my mother for dealing with my countless misadventures as a child.
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