The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, or the Roly-Poly Pudding

"The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, or The Roly-Poly Pudding" is a delightful children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1908. The story revolves around the misadventures of Tom Kitten and his sister, Moppet, involving a cunning rat named Samuel Whiskers and his wife, Anna Maria. Here's a summary of the plot:

Tom Kitten and his sister Moppet live with their mother, Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit, in a cozy home. One day, Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit decides to go out, leaving her children under the care of a French doll called Miss Anna Maria. She instructs them to stay clean and well-behaved.

Tom and Moppet, however, get dirty while playing outside. They encounter two rats, Samuel Whiskers and his wife Anna Maria, who deceive them into entering their home. Once inside, the rats plan to make a roly-poly pudding out of Tom Kitten.

Anna Maria tries to dress Tom in a doll's outfit to fatten him up for the pudding. Moppet, realizing the danger, tries to save her brother but is caught as well. Just as the rats are about to cook the kittens, Miss Tabitha Twitchit arrives home. She confronts the rats, who quickly flee. Miss Tabitha Twitchit punishes her children for their disobedience, making them clean up and wear proper clothes.

The story concludes with the kittens being taught a valuable lesson about obedience, cleanliness, and the consequences of not listening to their mother.

"The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, or The Roly-Poly Pudding" is a cautionary tale about the importance of following instructions and staying out of trouble.