The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin

This is the third book I wrote that was published, and it is very similar to The Tale of Peter Rabbit in that the only speaking characters are animals. In fact, every animal in this story is an animal. As I do for all my stories, I illustrated the pages myself using a combination of pen, ink, and watercolor. This took hours and often months to fine illustrations that I thought fit the story perfectly.

This story focuses on Nutkin, a red haired squirrel and his interactions with Mr. Brown, an owl on an island close to Nutkin’s home. Nutkin, his brother Twinkleberry, and his many cousins lived in the woods next to a lake. When food became scarce the squirrels decided to travel to the island to find nuts to store and eat. Every time the squirrels would go to the island they would bring a gift to the lone inhabitant, Mr. Brown, and ask if they could use his island to gather nuts. Mr. Brown is always silent and does not respond but he allows the squirrels to make use of his island because they have been so gracious. All except for Nutkin. Rather than giving Mr. Brown a gift, he taunts Mr. Brown with riddles and songs. Mr. Brown is very patient with Nutkin and it is not until the last day that Mr. Brown reacts to the taunting. While singing one of his riddles, Nutkin jumps onto Mr. Brown’s head! Because this is very rude, as I’m sure you would agree, Mr. Brown snatches Nutkin and pulls him into his house.

This looked like the end for Nutkin, and in fact if Mr. Brown had had his way it would have been. But Nutkin escapes, although the owl ripped his tail in half. And for the rest of his life, Nutkin never told another riddle.

Now I’m sure by now you have guessed that I am going to ask you what the lesson of this story is. Do you have any idea? The lesson is that there is a time and place for jokes and riddles, and that one should always have respect for others. Unless you want half of your tail bitten off, I suggest you always be polite, particularly when the other person is doing you a favor.