The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Part One · Into the Garden

Once there were four little rabbits. Their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter. They lived with their mother under a big fir tree.

One morning, Mother Rabbit had to go out. "You may play in the fields," she said. "But do not go into Mr. McGregor's garden!"

Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail were good little rabbits. They went down the lane to pick blackberries.

But Peter was naughty. He ran straight to the garden. Then he wiggled under the gate!

He ate lettuce and beans. Then he ate radishes. Crunch, crunch, crunch!

Peter felt a bit sick. He went to look for some parsley. He hopped around the end of the cucumbers.

And who did he see? Mr. McGregor! He was on his knees, planting cabbages.

Mr. McGregor jumped up. He waved his rake. "Stop, thief!" he called, and he ran after Peter.

Peter was so scared! He ran all over the garden. He forgot the way back to the gate.

He lost one shoe in the cabbages. He lost the other shoe in the potatoes. Then he ran on four legs, and he went faster.

Oh no! Peter ran into a net. His big brass buttons got caught, and he was stuck!

Some kind sparrows flew down. "Try hard, Peter!" they said. "You can do it!"

Mr. McGregor came with a sieve to catch him. Peter wiggled out just in time! But he left his blue jacket behind.

Peter hid in a watering can in the tool shed. But it had water in it! It was very cold.

Mr. McGregor looked under every flower pot. "Kerty-schoo!" Peter sneezed, and Mr. McGregor ran after him again.

Part Two · Home Again

Peter jumped out of a window and ran. At last he saw the gate! He wiggled under it and ran home.

Mr. McGregor hung up the blue jacket and the shoes. He made a scarecrow with them, to scare the birds.

Peter got home to the big fir tree. He was so tired! He lay down and shut his eyes.

His mother was busy cooking. "Where are your jacket and your shoes?" she asked. Peter did not say a word.

Peter felt ill, so his mother put him to bed. She gave him some warm tea. "One spoon at bedtime," she said.

Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail had a good supper. They had bread and milk and blackberries. Next time, Peter would listen to his mother!