The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Beatrix Potter |
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| Illustrator | Beatrix Potter |
| Country | England |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Frederick Warne & Co. |
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Publication date
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October 1905 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| OCLC | 12533701 |
| Preceded by | The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle |
| Followed by | The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher |
The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan is a fun children's book. It was written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. The book was first published in October 1905. It tells the story of a friendly cat named Ribby. Ribby decides to host a tea party for her friend, a dog named Duchess. Things get a bit mixed up when Duchess tries to swap Ribby's mouse pie with her own special veal and ham pie. Duchess then worries she has swallowed a small baking tin called a patty-pan! The story teaches us about good manners and how friends get along in a small town.
Contents
About the Book
This book was first thought of by Beatrix Potter in 1903. She put it aside to work on other stories. Later, in 1904, her plan for a nursery rhyme book didn't work out. So, the story about Ribby and Duchess was chosen instead. Potter then added more details to the setting and the plot. She made the story much richer before it was published.
Where the Story Happens
The pictures in the book show real places. They look like the cottages and gardens of Sawrey. This is a village in the Lake District of England. It's close to Potter's own farm, Hill Top. Many people think these drawings are some of the most beautiful Potter ever made.
Who the Characters Are
The characters in the book were inspired by real animals. Ribby the cat was based on a cat living in Sawrey. Duchess the dog was inspired by two Pomeranian dogs. These dogs belonged to Potter's neighbor, Mrs. Rogerson. Tabitha Twitchit, another cat, was based on Potter's own cat at Hill Top. Dr. Maggoty, the magpie, was inspired by the magpies at the London Zoological Gardens.
How the Book Changed
When it was first released, The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan was bigger than Potter's other books. But in the 1930s, its size was made smaller. This was done so it would match the other books in the famous Peter Rabbit series. At that time, it also got its current title. Beatrix Potter herself said this story was her favorite, after The Tailor of Gloucester.
The Story
"Once upon a time," there was a friendly cat named Ribby. She invited a little dog named Duchess to tea. Ribby planned to serve a "very very nice" pie. It was baked in a special dish with a pink rim. Ribby promised Duchess she could eat the whole pie herself. Duchess accepted the invitation. But she secretly hoped it wouldn't be mouse pie. "I really couldn't, couldn't eat mouse pie," she thought. "And I shall have to eat it, because it is a party."
Duchess's Secret Plan
Duchess had made her own pie at home. It was a delicious ham and veal pie. It was also in a pink-rimmed dish, just like Ribby's! Duchess really wanted to eat her own pie instead. "It is all ready to put into the oven," she thought. "Such a lovely pie-crust; and I put in a little tin patty-pan to hold up the crust." She read Ribby's invitation again. She realized she might be able to switch the pies. This could happen when Ribby left the house for a moment.
The Pie Switch
Ribby had two ovens, one above the other. She put her mouse pie in the lower oven. Then she tidied her house and set the table. After that, she left to buy tea, marmalade, and sugar. Meanwhile, Duchess left her home with her ham and veal pie in a basket. She passed Ribby on the street and hurried to Ribby's house. Duchess quickly put her own pie into the upper oven. She then searched for the mouse pie. She didn't find it because she forgot to look in the lower oven. Duchess then slipped out the back door just as Ribby returned.
Tea Party Trouble
At the right time, Duchess arrived at Ribby's door, and the party began. Duchess was a bit distracted. She didn't see which oven Ribby opened to take out the pie. Duchess ate very quickly. She thought she was eating her own ham and veal pie. She wondered what happened to the patty-pan she put in her pie. When she didn't find it under the crust, she was sure she had swallowed it! Duchess started to howl loudly. Ribby was confused and annoyed. She left to find Dr. Maggoty, who was a magpie.
The Truth Comes Out
Duchess was left alone by Ribby's fireplace. She then found her ham and veal pie in the oven. "Then I must have been eating MOUSE!" she thought. "No wonder I feel ill!" Duchess knew she couldn't explain her ham and veal pie to Ribby. So, she put it outside the back door. She planned to sneak back and take it home later. Ribby and Dr. Maggoty arrived. After a lot of fuss, Duchess left. But she found that the magpie (who had left by the back door) and two jackdaws had eaten her ham and veal pie! Later, Ribby found the broken pie dish and the patty-pan outside. She declared, "Well I never did! ... Next time I want to give a party – I will invite Cousin Tabitha Twitchit!"
Merchandise
Beatrix Potter believed her stories would become classic children's tales. She also knew how to make them popular. She was one of the first authors to sell items based on her characters. Between 1903 and 1905, she created things like a Peter Rabbit doll and even wallpaper. She called these extra items "side-shows."
Porcelain Figurines
In 1947, a company called Frederick Warne & Co. gave Beswick Pottery the right to make porcelain figures of Potter's characters.
- A figurine of Ribby carrying butter and milk was released in 1951.
- Duchess holding a bouquet of flowers came out in 1955.
- Duchess holding the ham and veal pie was released in 1979.
- Ribby and the broken pie dish were made in 1992.
- A special limited edition scene with Duchess and Ribby was made in 2000.
Music Box
Schmid & Co. was given permission to make Beatrix Potter items in 1977. In 1980, they released a music box. It played the song "Music Box Dancer" and had a porcelain figure of Duchess on top.
Reprints and Translations
As of 2010, all 23 of Beatrix Potter's small books are still being printed. You can buy them as full sets in special boxes. You can also get them as one big book. Older copies of The Pie and the Patty-Pan are sold by antique book dealers. The book is available as a hardcover, a paperback, an audiobook, and even as an e-book.
Modern Editions
The English versions of the books still have the Frederick Warne name on them. This is true even though Penguin Books bought the company in 1983. In 1985, new printing plates were made for Potter's books. These were made from new photos of her original drawings. All 23 books were released again in 1987. This new set was called The Original and Authorized Edition.
Global Reach
Beatrix Potter's books have been translated into almost 30 languages. This includes languages like Greek and Russian. In 1986, a writer named MacDonald noted something important. He said that Potter's books had become a traditional part of childhood. This was true in English-speaking countries. It was also true in countries where the books had been translated.
