February 15, 2022
Grades 4-6 At first glance, one might question the decision to publish a middle-grade biography about Beatrix Potter, whose classic books appeal to children several years younger. But although the narrative includes her picture books, which were essential to their author's growing sense of herself as a capable, financially independent woman, the spotlight shines directly on Potter herself. Her books arose from her lifelong love of animals and of drawing and painting, but other aspects of her story will appeal to the intended audience as well: her loneliness growing up, her struggle to accommodate her demanding Victorian-era parents' expectations while forging her own path, and her devotion to nature, which led her to use her energy and wealth to conserve the Lake District countryside she loved. Well researched and carefully contextualized within the social norms of her times, the book smoothly incorporates Potter's lesser-known accomplishments (researching the reproduction of mushrooms; establishing a visiting nurse service within her rural area during the 1918-19 influenza pandemic) as well as her widely recognized successes. An informative introduction to an admirable woman.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
March 1, 2022
Gr 4-8-An overly detailed but still fascinating biography about the creator of the "Peter Rabbit" tales. Beatrix Potter was born in Victorian England as the daughter of wealthy parents. Though she led a sheltered childhood and was often sickly as a teen, Potter was encouraged by her father to study art, nature, and writing at an early age. She first began painting her famous animal characters as greeting card illustrations and eventually went on to self-publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901. Potter also managed her own business affairs, presented a paper on the reproduction of fungus, and became a sheep farmer. O'Quinn gives readers a well-rounded account of the author-illustrator. Influences, family quarrels, and vacations are enumerated in painstaking detail. To present Potter as more than "just" the author of silly children's books, O'Quinn overwhelms the narrative with tidbits that will distract report writers and confuse casual readers. The artist's frowned-upon romances will be enjoyed by middle schoolers, but the revelation of her real-estate blunders and the listing of her causes and charities, will lose readers' interest. The sections that detail how Potter used her money and influence to preserve and conserve almost the entire Lake District National Park and how she rescued her publisher from going bankrupt are eye-opening. Chapter headers and opening quotations, black-and-white archival photos, and spot art keep the design engaging. VERDICT Purchase where there's a need for more biographies on women writers, scientists, artists, and conservationists.-Shelley M. Diaz
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.