Description
Vintage edition (1953) of Little Grey Rabbit Makes Lace is the 16th book in Alison Uttley‘s beloved Little Grey Rabbit series, first published in 1950 by Collins (this vintage edition 1953).
Story Overview
The plot follows the gentle and hardworking Little Grey Rabbit as she prepares a gift for a friend.
The Goal: Grey Rabbit is making a nightcap for Mrs. Hedgehog.
The Conflict: She wants to trim the nightcap with lace but doesn’t know how to make it.
The Resolution: With the help of her woodland friends, she learns the traditional craft of lace-making to finish her gift.
Key Themes & Inspiration
Traditional Crafts: The book was inspired by Uttley’s connection to Buckinghamshire, a county famous for its lace-making industry since the 16th century. Uttley often used her stories to preserve “specially English touches of country life” that she feared might otherwise be forgotten.
Character Dynamics: Like other books in the series, it features the trio of Grey Rabbit (the modest, motherly caretaker), Hare (the boastful adventurer), and Squirrel (the somewhat self-centred but affectionate friend).
Book Details
Illustrations: The story features the iconic, delicate watercolour illustrations of Margaret Tempest, who illustrated the series from its inception in 1929 until her death.
Vintage 1953 Hardcover Edition. 91 pages. No dust cover. Some wear but still a charming book to treasure.
