The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix P) (urspr publ 2006; utgåvan 2007)

Synopsis: Hill Top Farm is overrun with rats and the resident cat isn't doing her job. It's almost the first day of May and the children know that there are fairies that will appear on the eve if they know where to look; if they see one, they will get their wish. Maj. Kittering returns to his gothic home with a new wife; as owner of the Raven Luck, he's had anything but good luck. The animals help Beatrix discover hidden identities and foil a burglary.
Review: Customs and beliefs of the Lake Country folks are central to this story. Once again, the plot is a well woven with interesting subplots to keep the story moving. ( )

"Perhaps it's the gentle breezes that waft into Sawrey off the lake. Or perhaps it's the town's distance from big-city life. Whatever the reason, Miss Beatrix Potter loves the genuine warmth of her new neighbors. But even the kindest of souls can turn snappish when houseguests overstay their welcome ...

"When Beatrix returns to Hill Top Farm from her parents' home in London, she finds the attic overrun with rats. Rosabelle, resident rat and generous hostess, has offered her family a place to stay. But when word gets out, she soon has dozens of rat families on her tiny hands. To get rid of them, Beatrix invites some cats over -- deeply offending Felicia Frummety, resident cat.

"The town vicar shares Beatrix's problem -- some pesky visitors have all but refused to leave the vicarage. Even worse, a mysterious, moneyed outsider plans to ruin the pristine shoreline of Lake Windermere by building a sprawl of villas. And trouble has beset three village children, favorites of Beatrix, who are counting on the help of the fairies of Cuckoo Brow Wood. Now, with her signature tact, Beatrix must work with her friends -- humand and animal -- to set things right ..."
~~front flap

In this third book in the series, the animals become more prominent as characters in the plot, which is both oddly disturbing and somehow completely natural. It's another "nimble evocation of country life" and even the unsettling detour into thieving rats and fairies on the hill don't mar the overall tranquility of life in an English village in the Lake District at the turn of the 19th century. ( )

Of the three I've read in this series, I think this one is my favorite so far. I really appreciate that Albert told such a great story...without having anyone DIE! Yay! :) I liked reading about the kids doing the May Pole ribbon weaving dance as we did that when I was in grade school...pink and purple ribbons---so pretty. ( )

A sweet little mystery series that gives a charming look into Beatrix Potter's life, where her animals really come to life. Very cozy! ( )

Another gentle tale from the Land between the Lakes set in 1907, by all accounts a busy year for Beatrix Potter. Again Beatrix is the key to revealing the truth about certain people and helps Jeremy achieve his ambition to continue studying. The problem of rats infesting Hill Top Farm is dealt with, with unexpected results. Hints of romance are in the air. ( )