(3) K-3 Illustrated by Charlotte Voake. Young Beatrix borrows a neighbor's pet, and the guinea pig dies after ingesting string, paste, and paper. Both a cautionary tale and an introduction to the famous children's book creator, this quirky, charming tale (based on a true incident with some invented dialogue) is told with loose watercolors and a direct, inviting writing style. An author's note includes archival photographs.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 The picture book biography focuses on Beatrix Potter's childhood and young adulthood, ending when she creates The Tale of Peter Rabbit. McPhail's soft watercolor and ink illustrations and clear text give a sense of Potter's love of animals and her growing interest in painting. The narrative of a young child finding her passion should satisfy both Potter's fans and the uninitiated.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 This small, square book manages to subtly evoke Potter by mimicking the format and design of her books and including small visual details that may only be noticed by true Potter devotees. Told in the first person with direct quotes in italics, the text offers a brief glimpse of this beloved picture book creator. Winter depicts objects of a Victorian childhood in a contemporary style that allows for more immediate empathy from child readers. Bib.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(3) K-3 When young Noel Moore becomes sick while his friend Miss Potter is away on holiday, she writes him an illustrated letter--the story that will eventually become The Tale of Peter Rabbit. In this book based on actual events, text and illustrations remain true to the known facts, using watercolor with pen outlines to depict subtly colored but lively scenes reminiscent of the period.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson

(4) K-3 Tell Me About series. In these short, heavily illustrated biographies, there is plenty of information about each subject's early life and formative work. In Mozart and Dahl, the subjects' complex and difficult personality traits have been watered down considerably. Frivolous design elements detract from the overall impact, particularly in Potter, Dahl, and Mozart. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson