[CitizenErased]

Just curious. I've noticed (talking to other Mums) that the Beatrix Potter collection is a common 'staple' on their children's bookshelf. Lots of sentimentality, or perahps gifts from relatives!

But when it comes to everyday reading... well as much as I love the books myself, DD seems to get lost in the narrative and loses concentration & interest so quickly. Most of the time I end up making up an abridged version which is super quick, and suits the picture on each page because that way it's easier for her to follow, IYKWIM?

Lovely artwork and language, but sometimes I feel it's not the easiest read for a toddler.

How about you?

This post has been edited by miah: 24/02/2009, 08:15 AM

[kyrrie]

I never read them to DD as I never liked them. But since she's become an independent reader she reads them to herself and loves them.

She may be a better age for them now at 5. Can't see DS being interested in them, he's 3.

[0zeKid]

I agree that it appears to be a staple on the library. I think that is because it is never read so stays in pristine condition! I never enjoyed them and my kids have one which I was going to cull over the weekend and decided just to leave it - I suspect it will remain as is until it ends up on my kids kids bookshelves. Still not being read...

[anon60]

I suspect it will remain as is until it ends up on my kids kids bookshelves. Still not being read...

They're the ones to keep for when the grandchildren come to visit.

[Ianthe]

My kids love these books. Of course I would disown them if they didn't

[~Bec~]

DD1 (7yrs) has just read the whole collection. We were given a book with all the collected stories and she quite enjoyed it. None of my kids liked them as toddlers though.

[Fukuro Lady]

My MIL bought the collection for DD before even her first birthday I think! DD loves to 'read' and be read to (she's only 2.5) but is bored as hell with these books, and rightly so *yawn*!!

My MIL and FIL are in the game of sentimentality though, they also bought her a large Paddington Bear from the UK and a book and ask every time I see them if we read it to her as she simply "must know the story of the Bear from deepest darkest Peru" Of course DD couldn't care less and is much more interested in other books.

Gah, I just find it so pretentious. All the name dropping and 'brand' giving, bleck.

(excuse my self indulgent vent, this just reminded me off how much the inlaws p*ss me off at times )

[Pocahontas]

DS doesn't mind Peter Rabbit but it's not one of his favourites.

I found another one of her books at a book stall (one about kittens but can't remember it's name). The content was "dated" to say the least. After loosing their clothes the kittens were spanked, scolded and sent to bed and their mother then lied to her friends and said they were sick (or something) as she was so embarrased about their behaviour.

[Cluckystar]

My 4yo DS loves Beatrix Potter, particularly Peter Rabbit. He was given the set of DVDs when he turned three and took an interest in the books after that. My MIL has given the set to my 1yo DD, but i wouldn't bother reading it to her for a cople of years yet. I loved the books myself when I was a kid. My favourite was a Tale of Two Bad Mice.

I agree that some of the content is not considered politically correct these days- but that's just a reflection of the era that they were written in. It's an interesting point of conversation to have with the child.

[dippinsniffer]

We only have 4 of the books. I did not really get into them as a child. I was more into 'Richard Scarry'.
It seems some of the Beatrix books are aimed at toddlers (we have 2 of them) and some are aimed at the older child so if you're reading one of the 'older child' books to a toddler, it might be easier to get one of the easier, simpler, shorter books.

DD was gifted 'Two naughty mice' and she enjoys it. DS was gifted one which involves a frog who escaped a pike and he enjoys that. BUT they are not one of their faves and not one of mine to read either.

This post has been edited by dippinsniffer: 25/02/2009, 08:43 PM