A letter from Beatrix Potter to a young friend who is ill marks the origin of her famous tales Grade 1-3-Johnson relates the story of how Beatrix Potter came to write Peter Rabbit, the first of her classic children's books. She is depicted as an adult, a close friend of the Moore children, particularly Noel, the oldest son. The book shows them eagerly awaiting a visit from her. She brings her pet rabbit and mice, treats, and jokes. Later Noel is taken ill and spends the summer bedridden. In the fall, he receives a thick packet from Potter, a story with pictures that she has written to cheer him up. It is the original version of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Noel feels it is about him and his family and loves it and rallies. A concluding page fills out more of the story of the boy, his family, and Potter. Reminiscent of Michael Hague's style, the competent artwork shows a comfortable, well-to-do Victorian home, the Moore children engaged in a variety of activities and interactions with Potter, and Noel's long confinement. The attractive layout lends variety, with pictures ranging from full-page or double-page spreads to panels, ovals, and circles. The endpapers show facsimiles of the original picture letter sent to Noel in 1893. An unusual offering with a bit of history that will appeal to children. Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. PLB 0-8037-2051-3 Johnson enchantingly recounts for the picture-book audience the well-known story of the origins of Beatrix Potter's first book. The impending visit of the beloved ``Miss Potter'' to the Moore household in about 1893 fires much excitement in the children. The studious, isolated Miss Potter, shown first in her study with microscope and drawing pencils, gives generously of her nature with them: ``She told jokes that made them ache with giggles. She drew pictures and never said, `I'm tired, that's enough!' '' When Noel becomes ill, miserable and lonely in bed for months, a letter with pictures comes from Miss Potter. The endpapers reproduce that letter, the intact story of Peter Rabbit, its compositions exquisite, its sketches true to life, its narrative perfect. Despite some awkwardness in the proportions and placement of the figures, this book is an obvious labor of love; Johnson shows considerable talent in her representation of the period and in the household of the wealthy Moores. That Peter Rabbit's mischief was written down first for a real child will make that story all the more powerful to readers, and may be their first acquaintance with literary history. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Jane Johnson is the author-illustrator of numerous books for children, including The Princess and the Painter , which, along with My Dear Noel , she wrote while living in Washington, D.C., with her American husband. Jane Johnson currently lives in London. Jane Johnson is the author-illustrator of numerous books for children, including The Princess and the Painter , which, along with My Dear Noel , she wrote while living in Washington, D.C., with her American husband. Jane Johnson currently lives in London. Used Book in Good Condition