 Potter scholar Ruth K. MacDonald has assessed the rabbit universe in Potter as a more pleasant place than that found in Harris's stories.In July 1903, Potter suggested to her publisher Frederick Warne & Co. that the book to follow "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin" and "The Tailor of Gloucester" ought to be something less complex than the two previous productions.She had several possible stories in mind and outlined them for the firm, but was anxious to settle on a choice as quickly as possible to guide her sketching while on holiday.