The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

14407

Title

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this charming sequel to Peter Rabbit, little Benjamin Bunny ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden to visit his cousin Peter, who has lost his clothes to the scarecrow. Together, they navigate the garden's dangers, retrieve Peter's attire, and face a persistent cat, all while enjoying fresh lettuces and a visit from Benjamin's formidable father.

Summary up to 500 words

In Beatrix Potter's *The Tale of Benjamin Bunny*, the narrative shifts focus from Peter Rabbit's earlier misadventures to the escapades of his younger cousin, Benjamin. The story begins with Benjamin leaving the safety of the rabbit warren to visit Peter, who is currently disheveled and dressed only in a red pocket-handkerchief after losing his clothes to Mr. McGregor's scarecrow. Upon arriving, Benjamin learns that Mr. and Mrs. McGregor have departed in a gig, leaving the garden vulnerable. Seizing the opportunity, the two young rabbits climb a wall to inspect the grounds. They locate Peter's coat and shoes on the scarecrow, along with an old tam-o'-shanter. Despite Peter's apprehension regarding the dangers of the garden, Benjamin insists on retrieving the items. They fill Peter's handkerchief with onions as a gift for their aunt, Mrs. Rabbit. The journey back is fraught with peril. The rabbits navigate through flower pots, frames, and tubs, encountering strange noises that terrify Peter. Their greatest danger arises when they encounter a cat perched atop a large basket. Realizing the futility of climbing the pear tree with their heavy load, Benjamin boldly leads Peter to hide underneath the basket. The situation becomes dire when the cat climbs up and sits upon the basket, sniffing the onions. The two rabbits endure the cat's presence for five hours in the dark, overwhelmed by the smell of onions and fear. Rescue arrives with the unexpected intervention of Old Mr. Benjamin Bunny. Arriving on the upper terrace, the grandfather, known for his disdain of cats and his pipe of rabbit-tobacco, spots the danger. He leaps from the wall, cuffed the cat off the basket, and kicks it into the greenhouse, where he promptly locks the door. He then retrieves his son and nephew, playfully whipping Benjamin with a switch before marching out of the garden with the recovered clothes. Upon returning home, the family is reunited. Mrs. Rabbit, overjoyed to see Peter restored to his proper attire, forgives him for his earlier troubles. The story concludes with the family hanging the recovered onions and herbs in the kitchen alongside their rabbit-tobacco. The tale highlights the resourcefulness of the younger rabbits, the inherent dangers of the garden, and the protective, authoritative nature of the older generation who ensure the safety of the family.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction