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Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter

First published 1906
60 pages, 20 color illustrations

Intent on laying and hatching her own eggs, Jemima finds a co-conspirator in a polite gentleman with a bushy tail. Will her eggs be safe with such a vulpine gentleman?

The History Behind the Tale (Linder 188-190):
Two characters in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck are real--Jemima and Kep. Beatrix Potter wrote the story at hilltop Farm and used scenery both there and of surrounding locales for the illustrations. The wife of Beatrix's farm manager and their two children also appear in the illustrations.

What I thought: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is another familiar story. When you mention Beatrix Potter, you'll often get responses that mention Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, or Jemima Puddle-duck. I like the story and the illustrations. I felt a little sad for Jemima--so trusting and it all back-fired. I wish the story could have another ending.

Favorite Illustrations: Jemima in flight (20), the cottage (28), Jemima with her ducklings (58)

Activities:
-Perfect spot scavenger hunt
-Jemima's Egg hunt
-Dog, Fox Tag

Favorite Words: desperate, determined. alighted, superfluous, conscientious, hospitable, suspicious

I hope you've enjoyed my discussion of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. Next week, Tom Kitten returns in The Roly-Poly Pudding, or The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. Until then, happy reading!

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