The Tale of Peter Rabbit Animated

5C Beatrix Potter. Illustrated and Animated by Julian Wehr. New York: Grosser & Dunlap, 1945. 

Notes

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1902, is a timeless children's story about a curious and disobedient young rabbit named Peter. Ignoring his mother's warning, Peter sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden to feast on vegetables and finds himself in a dangerous chase. After several narrow escapes—losing his jacket and shoes along the way—Peter finally makes it home, exhausted and frightened, while his obedient siblings enjoy a quiet supper. With its gentle humor, clear moral lesson, and Potter’s delicate watercolor illustrations, the story has become one of the most enduring classics of children’s literature.

In 1945, an innovative animated version of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was created by Julian Wehr, known for his pioneering work in animated children’s books. Wehr’s version was not animated film, but rather a mechanical bookfeaturing movable illustrations that brought the characters to life with tabs and levers. These animated picture books were a novelty at the time, offering children a tactile and interactive way to experience the story. Wehr’s adaptation retained the charm of Potter’s tale while adding motion and a sense of play, making it a unique and collectible piece in the history of children’s publishing.

Description

Illustrated boards with original pictorial dust jacket. Red spiral ring. Spine repaired. Colored illustrations on every page. Movable animations all still intact and functional. Chipping and minimal rubbing along extremities and some chipping to dust wrapper spine. Very good condition overall.