Helen Beatrix Potter

Helen Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist best known for her children's books featuring animals, such as those in 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit.' Born in 1866, she grew up in a wealthy Unitarian family. Potter's works have had a profound impact on children’s literature. Besides writing, she was also an avid conservationist and used proceeds from her books to preserve the Lake District's natural beauty. She passed away in 1943.

July 28, 1866

December 22, 1943

English

A garden

We have a little garden,
        A garden of our own,
And every day we water there
        The seeds that we have sown.

We love our little garden,
        And tend it with such care,
You will not find a faded leaf
        Or blighted blossom there.

Helen Beatrix Potter

Cecily Parsley

Cecily Parsley lived in a pen,
And brewed good ale for gentlemen;

Gentlemen came every day,
Till Cecily Parsley ran away.

Helen Beatrix Potter

Goosey, goosey, gander,

Goosey, goosey, gander,
    Whither will you wander?
Upstairs and downstairs,
    And in my lady's chamber!

Helen Beatrix Potter

Ninny nanny netticoat

Ninny nanny netticoat,
In a white petticoat,
        With a red nose,--
The longer she stands,
        The shorter she grows.

Helen Beatrix Potter

Pussy-cat

Pussy-cat sits by the fire;
    How should she be fair?
In walks the little dog,
    Says "Pussy! are you there?"

"How do you do, Mistress Pussy?
    Mistress Pussy, how do you do?"
"I thank you kindly, little dog,
    I fare as well as you!"

Helen Beatrix Potter

This pig

This pig went to market;
    This pig stayed at home;

This pig had a bit of meat;

And this pig had none;

This little pig cried
        Wee! wee! wee!
I can't find my way home.

Helen Beatrix Potter

Three blind mice

Three blind mice, three blind mice,
    See how they run!
They all run after the farmer's wife,
And she cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life
    As three blind mice!

Helen Beatrix Potter

Tom Tinker's dog

Bow, wow, wow!
        Whose dog art thou?
"I'm little Tom Tinker's dog,
        Bow, wow, wow!"

Helen Beatrix Potter