Paired Texts > The Tale of Peter Rabbit

by Beatrix Potter 1902

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Little Red Hen
The Little Red Hen
Florence White Williams

In the classic folktale "The Little Red Hen," Mrs. Hen works hard despite those around her and is rewarded for her effort in the end.

Pair “The Little Red Hen” and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and ask students to compare the morals in each of the texts. How do the authors use animals to teach us lessons? Contrast the character traits of the Little Red Hen with Peter Rabbit’s mother. What do these two characters have in common? How are both mothers portrayed in the stories?

4th Grade Folktale 1010L
The Thief and His Mother
The Thief and His Mother
Aesop

Aesop was a slave and storyteller who was believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 560 B.C.E. This story about a boy and his immoral mother is part of his collection of tales known as "Aesop's Fables," which have been featured in children's literature for centuries.

Pair “The Thief and His Mother” with “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and ask students to discuss what drives a person to do bad things. How would you compare the thief’s mother to Peter Rabbit’s mother? Does parenting play an important role in learning what is right and what is wrong? Or are some people, like Peter, compelled to be naughty?

5th Grade Fable 1030L
Pumpkin Planting
Pumpkin Planting
Krista Curran

In "Pumpkin Planting," a little girl learns about patience while gardening with her moms.

Pair “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” with “Pumpkin Planting” and have students write a narrative from the point of view of an animal in Emmy’s garden.

3rd Grade Short Story 560L