Beatrix Potter gathered material for a book of rhymes over many years. In 1917, when her publisher was in financial difficulties and needed her help, she suggested that Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes could be brought out quickly, using her existing collection of rhymes and drawings. The fact that the illustrations were painted at different times explains why the style occasionally varies.

A mouse teases Miss Moppett so Miss Moppet thinks she will tease the mouse.

After visiting each other's homes, Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy Willy who lives in the country, decide that they prefer their own place.

Naughty Peter Rabbit disobeys his mother by going into Mr. McGregor's garden and almost gets caught.

The first farm that Beatrix Potter owned, Hill Top, was an old house with thick walls and many hiding places for rats and mice. In The Tale of Samuel Whiskers this farmhouse is Tom Kitten's home and the story tells what happens when Tom accidently comes upon the rat Samuel Whiskers living in a secret hideout behind the attic walls.

An innocent squirrel accused of stealing nuts is forced down a hole in a tree, where he meets a friendly chipmunk.

While the dolls are away, two curious, naughty mice explore the dolls' house and steal their furniture.