Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was a British author and illustrator. She was born in London in 1866. She created the character Peter Rabbit. Her little books with beautiful pictures have been loved by children for over 100 years.

Early Life

Potter grew up in a wealthy family in London. She was educated at home and spent time drawing animals and plants. She kept many pets, including rabbits, mice, and a hedgehog. She studied nature closely and drew detailed pictures.

Big Achievements

Potter wrote and illustrated The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902. She went on to write 23 little books about animals. She bought farms in the Lake District of England. When she died, she left over 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust to be preserved forever.

Fun Facts

• Potter wrote the first Peter Rabbit story in a letter to a sick child.
• She published her first book herself because publishers rejected it.
• She left 15 farms and over 4,000 acres of land to be protected.

Did You Know?

Potter was also a serious scientist. She studied mushrooms and fungi and wrote a scientific paper about them. She was not allowed to present it because she was a woman. Her scientific drawings are now displayed in museums.