You inspired me to write stories for my children. Night after night, they listened to your stories, each time just as enthralled as the first. Even after all these years, everyone knows who Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin and Benjamin Bunny are.įor the next few years, I was the one sitting on the edge of the bed reading The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny to my children. Your characters and their adventures make both children and adults smile. That’s when I witnessed my children - the next generation - falling in love with your work. Whilst at the Lake District, we visited The World of Beatrix Potter - a place dedicated to you and your books.

When we arrived, we realised it was also your home. We take a holiday to the Lake District because it’s a beautiful part of the country and perfect for taking our dog on long walks. Do you see where I’m going with this? At that early age, your books inspired me to create my own stories.įast forward thirty years. Jemima, waddling through the forest in her shawl and poke bonnet, chased squirrel Nutkin, who’d raced up a tree to escape a swarm of bees he’d upset whilst hunting for nuts. I’d imagine him stealing lettuces with Peter and Benjamin, then escaping from the farmer’s cat only to run into Jemima Puddleduck. I’d gaze at my pet rabbit and imagine him straying into Mr McGregor’s garden just like Peter and his cousin, Benjamin. Your characters are mischievous, caring, cheeky, funny, innocent and brave. Those tales resonated with me, helped me sleep and fed my imagination. When I was a child, my parents read The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny to me every night. How do I begin to write a letter to someone who has impacted my life for over forty years? It’s funny that coming from one author to another, it’s hard to find the right words to express my gratitude, so I shall start by saying, ‘thank you.’

Ff beatrix