The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

The tension stays light and playful, with clear “problem → plan → escape → home” beats. The ending returns to family, safety, and gentle accountability, which helps kids relax after the excitement.

Story Synopsis

Peter Rabbit is still embarrassed about losing his little shoes and jacket in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Benjamin Bunny, older and bolder, convinces Peter to go back and fetch them. Together they sneak under the gate and tiptoe among the vegetables. Benjamin is thrilled by the adventure and even nibbles on a few treats, but danger is close: the cat is nearby, and Mr. McGregor can appear at any moment. The boys discover Peter’s clothes—but they also find themselves spotted and chased. With quick thinking and a frantic dash, they escape the garden and rush home. The relief of safety is real, but so is the lesson: the trouble wasn’t worth it. It’s a story about friendship, bravery, and learning to choose the safer path—even when curiosity pulls you forward.

Story Excerpt

One morning, a little rabbit sat on a grassy bank. He held very still, with his ears pricked up. Trit-trot, trit-trot. He listened to the sound of a pony’s hooves coming along the road. Soon a gig rolled by, and it was driven by Mr. McGregor. Beside him sat Mrs. McGregor, wearing her very best bonnet. As soon as they had passed, the little rabbit—Benjamin Bunny—slid down into the road and set off with a hop, skip, and a jump. He was going to call on his relations who lived in the wood behind Mr. McGregor’s garden. The wood was full of rabbit holes. And in the neatest, sandiest hole of all lived Benjamin’s aunt and his cousins—Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. Old Mrs. Rabbit was a widow. She earned her living by knitting rabbit-wool mittens and muffatees. She also sold herbs, and rosemary tea, and rabbit-tobacco—which is what rabbits call lavender. Little Benjamin did not very much want to see his Aunt. He came round the back of the fir-tree, and nearly tumbled right on top of his Cousin Peter. Peter was sitting by himself. He looked pale and tired, and he was wrapped in a red cotton pocket-handkerchief. “Peter,” whispered little Benjamin, “who has got your clothes?” Peter answered softly, “The scarecrow in Mr. McGregor’s garden.” And then Peter told him how he had been chased about the garden, and how he had lost his shoes and his little coat. Benjamin sat down close beside him. “Mr.

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