5 reasons we all adored Peter Rabbit growing up (and he’s making a BIG return!)

Brought to you by Sony Pictures Ireland.

Growing up, we tend to remember the things that had the greatest impact on us.

They’re the things that taught us useful life lessons, showed us how to become more confident, to be ourselves and, they’re the things that encouraged us to be much more fun and adventurous. Take Peter Rabbit… The fluffy brown-haired bunny, along with all his pals, has been enlightening the creative and wondrous minds of countless children since 1902! And there are few things more magical than sharing our childhood joys with our own tots. Peter is so popular and loved by all, it’s not just the beautiful books that share his story with little ones today, but now the Peter Rabbit movie too! Yes, he’s back and he’s causing chaos from March 16. The adorably mischief little fellow will be throwing carrots through windows, hiding onions from Mrs McGregor and exploring Mr McGregor’s vegetable garden once again. It’s hilarious, heart-warming, AND it’s cause for a great day out where we get to fall in love with Peter all over again. Here’s what we loved most about The Tales of Peter Rabbit: 1. The Rabbit Knew How to Dress He is the definition of dapper with that blue coat and its brass buttons. If our own little bunnies aim for the same terrific fashion sense, we’ll be very pleased. See, already Peter’s a marvellous influence! 2. Mrs Rabbit was Pure Notions Mrs Rabbit reminds us of granny, or maybe our mum – at least when there were visitors anyway. Mrs Rabbit has impeccable taste when it comes to food – she likes brown bread (getting in that fibre), blackberries, cabbage, all those luscious greens for our health, and of course, yummy carrots. 3. He was a bold, daring and audacious bunny Peter was a true explorer and thrill-seeker. He went where no rabbit had ventured before – into Mr McGregor’s garden. (A slight exaggeration perhaps – let’s not forget what happened to his father.) You might say this bunny was playing with fire, but you could also say, he dared the rest of us to be brave! Lots of kids feel like the odd one out at school, or even at home, for a variety of reasons. Remind them that Peter was always known as ‘the bold rabbit’ while all his siblings were such ‘good little bunnies’. This relatability had us in love with Peter then, and even now. 4. Peter Rabbit was and is the ideal rep. He’s the perfect representative for animals. Beatrix Potter humanised her rabbit characters (all based on rabbits she had as pets during her own childhood) by giving them clothes, their own wants and desires (to be carefree and to explore) all in one beautiful story book. It gave us a new perspective of the animal world, one that helps us and our kids think about the feelings animals have and how we should respect them just like anyone else. 5. You’d Spot Peter Rabbit a Mile Away Peter Rabbit and all his friends are recognisable to just about anyone. They always wore the exact same clothes and Peter surrounded himself with familiar faces. It was never boring. Instead, it created an anticipation that left us wondering what the rabbits would get up to next AND no doubt it was, and still is, very comforting for younger ones to learn from a memorable, kind and courageous furry face. Peter Rabbit™, hopping his way to a cinema near you on March 16.