Still really enjoying this series. It unfolds well and Beatrix is gradually coming into her own. This one might have faeries. Also, I begin to think that the villagers are right to suspect every new person who moves in, given the number of folks who keep turning up under assumed names for nefarious purposes. ( )

As good as the first if not better, this reminds me so much of Tolkien's Hobbit style, not the subject matter but this terrific cozy mystery is very appropriate to all ages. If you read to your children this would make an excellent choice, it'll keep you as interested in the storyline as the kids will be by the talking animals.My only problem is that I read this out of order, it seems that Fantastic Fiction listed this out of order it is really the third book in the series, The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood (2005) is in fact the 2nd. Now having obtained that from my local library I'll read that one next. ( )

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. ( )