Beatrix Potter’s publisher Frederick Warne has confirmed that they will be publishing a brand new Peter Rabbit story by Emma Thompson on 6th September 2012.
The book, titled The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, will be the 24th tale in the existing collection of Peter Rabbit stories. It is the first time that Frederick Warne has published an additional title to the series which Beatrix Potter wrote between 1902 and 1930.
Emma Thompson, Oscar-winning actress and screen writer, has a talent for creating engaging narratives with a dry humour similar to Potter’s own and is the perfect choice of author for this new Peter Rabbit tale which will be published 110 years after the original.
Emma said, “I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter, as a child and then as a mother and all the years in-between as well. When Mr Rabbit invited me to write a further tale, I was more honoured than I can say. I hope I don’t let him or his extraordinary creator down.”
Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Children’s Books said, “It is fitting that in a year that celebrates 110 years of Peter Rabbit we move this beloved character forwards and provide him with a brand new adventure. Children the world over have grown up enjoying these stories and now they can look forward to this exciting new addition to their collection. Emma’s writing is both fresh and original yet pays homage to Potter’s own unique style.’”
In The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter’s adventures take him beyond the boundaries of Mr. McGregor’s garden, all the way to Scotland, where he meets the gentle giant Finlay McBurney, a distant Scottish relative. Emma was inspired to set the tale in Scotland and create this new character by her knowledge of Beatrix’s childhood holidays there.
Warne has commissioned a bespoke Peter Rabbit tartan from prestigious textile company Lochcarron of Scotland to commemorate this new title. The tartan design has been incorporated into Tale and is featured on the kilt worn by newly created character Finlay McBurney. Frederick Warne will be making the tartan available in selected territories for use on exclusive Peter Rabbit™ merchandise for launch at the same time of the publication of this new tale.
