Over the Hills and Far Away by Matthew Dennison, £8.99

BEATRIX Potter's books have enchanted generations of children for more than a 100 years. Yet how she achieved this legendary status is just one of several stories of her remarkable and unexpected life.

Inspired by the 23 'tales', Matthew Dennison takes a selection of quotations from Potter's stories and uses them to explore her multi-faceted life and character: repressed Victorian daughter; thwarted lover; artistic genius; formidable countrywoman. They chart her transformation from a young girl with a love of animals and fairy tales into a bestselling author and canny businesswoman, so deeply unusual for the Victorian era in which she grew up.

Embellished with photographs of Potter's life and her own illustrations, this short biography will delight anyone who has been touched by Beatrix Potter's work.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL