Peter Rabbit is a fictional animal character in various children's stories by English author Beatrix Potter. A mischievous, adventurous young rabbit who wears a blue jacket, he first appeared in The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, and subsequently in five more books between 1904 and 1912. The six books by Potter featuring Peter Rabbit have sold over 150 million copies. Spin-off merchandise includes dishes, wallpaper, painting books, board games and dolls. In 1903, Peter Rabbit was the first fictional character to be made into a patented stuffed toy, making him the oldest licensed character.
"First, he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then, he ate some radishes."
Grown up Peter in his nursery garden, from The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
Peter Rabbit statue at Lingholm country house in the English Lake District
Helen Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist. She is best known for her children's books featuring animals, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which was her first commercially published work in 1902. Her books, including 23 Tales, have sold more than 250 million copies. An entrepreneur, Potter was a pioneer of character merchandising. In 1903, Peter Rabbit was the first fictional character to be made into a patented stuffed toy, making him the oldest licensed character.
Potter in 1913
Potter aged eight, c. 1874
Potter aged fifteen with her springer spaniel, Spot
Potter, aged 16, stayed at Wray Castle in 1882 on a family vacation, thus began her long association with the English Lake District
