The Fairy Caravan


The Fairy Caravan is a children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter and first published in 1929 by Alexander McKay in Philadelphia. As noted by Leslie Linder, "Potter did not wish for an English edition of The Fairy Caravan, because she felt the stories were 'too personal - too autobiographical' to publish in this country". In order to secure English copyright, however, Potter produced 100 copies with the first eighteen pages discarded and replaced by sheets privately printed in Ambleside by George Middleton.

Plot

The story follows the adventures of Tuppenny, a young guinea pig who runs away from home to join a travelling circus.

Background

The woods and estate surrounding Graythwaite Hall in the Lake District, Cumbria, are the backdrop for Potter's story. They were a favourite walking spot for Wordsworth.

Reception

The book is described by Margaret Drabble as: '...those later written... for the US....' ; and also: '...of little interest' .