Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was an English author, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist best known for her children's books featuring animals. Potter's artistic and literary interests were deeply influenced by fairies, fairy tales and fantasy. Her best known picture book is The Tale of Peter Rabbit which was also her first publication. The great success was followed by the number of successful children's books about animals, such as The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tailor of Gloucester and The Tale of Benjamin Bunny. She carried on to write and illustrate until her diminishing eyesight made it difficult to continue. Potter's books continue to sell throughout the world in many languages with her stories being retold in song, film, ballet, and animation.