This is a fierce bad rabbit; look at his savage whiskers, and his claws and his turned-up tail.

Sister Anne Potter’s version of the story of Bluebeard was written especially for her American readers but illustrated by Katharine Sturges. By the summer of 1912 Heelis had proposed marriage and Beatrix had accepted although Beatrix Potter did not immediately tell her parents who once again disapproved because Heelis was only a country solicitor. Tittlemouse a wood mouse) reflect her increasing participation in village life and her delight in country living.

Her artistic talents were recognized early. Born into a privileged Unitarian family Potter along with her younger brother Walter Bertram (1872–1918) grew up with few friends outside her large extended family. With the proceeds from the books and a legacy from an aunt Potter bought Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey a tiny village in the English Lake District near Ambleside in 1905.