THE TAILOR OF GLOUCESTER: Tales of Peter Rabbit & Friends - Book 3

THE TAILOR OF GLOUCESTER: Tales of Peter Rabbit & Friends – Book 3

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Description

The Tailor of Gloucester is a children’s story about a tailor whose work on a waistcoat is finished by the grateful mice he rescues from his cat. It was based on a real world incident involving a tailor and his assistants. The third book in the series, for years Potter declared that of all her books it was her personal favourite. A tailor in Gloucester sends his cat Simpkin to buy food and a twist of cherry-coloured silk to complete a waistcoat commissioned by the mayor for his wedding on Christmas morning. Whilst Simpkin is gone, the tailor finds mice the cat has imprisoned under teacups. The mice are released and scamper away. When Simpkin returns and finds his mice gone, he hides the twist in anger. The tailor falls ill and is unable to complete the waistcoat, but, upon returning to his shop, he is surprised to find the waistcoat finished which has been completed by the grateful mice. However, one buttonhole remains unfinished because there was “no more twist!” Simpkin gives the tailor the twist to complete the work and the success and beauty of the waistcoat makes the tailor’s fortune. ============= KEYWORDS: Tailor, Gloucester, Beatrix Potter, children’s stories, lake district, England, bedtime stories, helpful, mouse, mice, Cat, waistcoat, coat, velvet, gold, embroidery, Simpkin, favourite, twist if cherry coloured silk, teacups, imprison, release, freedom, scamper away, hide, sew, illness, buttonhole, no more twist, success, thing of beauty

  • Author: Beatrix Potter
  • Publisher: Abela Publishing Ltd
  • Published: 2018-03-19
  • Pages: 49
  • ISBN-13: 9788827564691

Additional information

Author

Beatrix Potter

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Summary

What the internet says

Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.

Overall reception: Mostly positive

The Tailor of Gloucester receives overwhelmingly positive reception online, with an average rating of 3.96-4.07 across platforms and 123+ reviews on StoryGraph alone. Readers consistently praise this as one of Beatrix Potter's finest works, with many noting it was the author's own favorite among her books. The story, based on a true legend about a tailor whose work was mysteriously completed overnight, resonates particularly well as a Christmas tale that blends folklore elements (mice acting as helpful elves, animals speaking on Christmas Eve) with Potter's signature charm. Reviewers appreciate its longer, more developed narrative compared to other Potter tales, though this length receives mixed reactions.

The book's illustrations earn universal acclaim, with readers highlighting Potter's faithful depiction of historical Gloucester, the beautiful clothing descriptions (cherry-colored silk coats with pansies and roses), and the atmospheric contrast between the tailor's cramped, dingy workshop and the magical glow of Christmas Eve. Many adult readers report enjoying the book as much as or more than they did in childhood, with several calling it a perfect comfort read and stocking filler. The story's heartwarming message about kindness and gratitude, combined with the character arc of Simpkin the cat learning humility, adds depth that appeals across age ranges. Some reviewers note the archaic language and complex prosody as distinctive features, though opinions vary on whether this enhances or hinders the reading experience.

What readers loved

  • Beatrix Potter's personal favorite among her works, with enchanting Christmas setting and seasonal spirit
  • Exceptional illustrations that faithfully capture historical Gloucester and create atmospheric contrast between poverty and magic
  • More developed, longer narrative than typical Potter tales with complex character development (especially Simpkin the cat's journey)
  • Beautiful, detailed descriptions of period clothing and textiles that captivate readers
  • Successfully blends multiple folklore elements (elves and shoemaker, animals speaking on Christmas Eve) into cohesive story
  • Appeals strongly to adult readers as comfort read and nostalgic favorite
  • Heartwarming message about kindness, gratitude, and helping others in need

Common critiques

  • Length makes it feel slower-paced and occasionally dull compared to Potter's more concise tales
  • Archaic language and complex vocabulary (wainscot, groat, paduasoy, taffeta) may be challenging for young readers
  • Unusual mix of anthropomorphic and realistic animal behavior creates confusing in-between world (cat runs errands but only makes cat noises)
  • Less memorable for some readers who don't recall the story from childhood as vividly as other Potter works

Based on reviews from

  • StoryGraph Reviews
  • Goodreads
  • Goodreads Editions
Last updated May 18, 2026 Summary based on publicly available reviews. May not reflect every reader's experience.

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