Olivia Colman and Tom Hardy among narrators of new Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales audio edition

Penguin Random House is marking Beatrix Potter’s birthday today with the unveiling of a new audio edition of Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales, starring narration from by a stellar cast including Olivia Colman, Mandip Gill, and Tom Hardy.

Featuring all 23 of the classic tales that have entertained children across the generations, from Peter Rabbit (narrated by Colman) to Mrs Tiggy-Winkle (narrated by Lily James) and Mr Jeremy Fisher (narrated by David Harewood), the new collection brings each storybook to life in audio with sound effects and music.

The collection will be published on September 17th this year in audio download and on CD.

The complete cast of voices include: Olivia Colman, Richard Armitage, Tom Hardy, Pearl Mackie, David Harewood, James Norton, David Tennant, Suranne Jones, Aisling Bea, Yrsa Daley-Ward, Hugh Bonneville, Lily James, Gemma Whelan, Mandip Gill, Jessie Ware, James Acaster, Jenna Coleman, Joanna Lumley, Will Young, Matt Baker, Robert Webb, Alfred Enoch, and Ben Bailey Smith.

As part of the unveiling, you can even listen to an exclusive extract of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, read by Olivia Colman here.

 Star of Downton Abbey and W1A, and reader of The Tale of Mr. Tod, Hugh Bonneville said: “Reading The Tale of Mr. Todagain after many decades, I was delighted to discover that the animals that Beatrix Potter loved, drew and wrote such entertaining stories about have stood the test of time. Mischievous creatures, family calamities – action packed.”

 Suranne Jones, star of Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack, and reader of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck said: “I was so thrilled to be asked to read The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck as I was a huge Beatrix Potter fan as a young girl and my son was gifted the whole Peter Rabbit library when he was born too.

“The night before I went to record the story we all read it together which was incredibly sweet. I’m glad the characters have been committed to audio so many more families can share in their adventures.”

Today, more than two million Beatrix Potter books are sold across the world every year, equating to four books every minute.

 Ygraine Cadlock, editorial director, PRH Children’s Picture Books and Partnerships, said: “The tales of Beatrix Potter are loved by generations of readers around the world. We know how much children have enjoyed listening to the stories over the years, and we’re hugely excited at launching this audio collection with a fantastic cast of new names.

“These narrations bring Beatrix’s much-loved characters to life and are sure to enchant children and families everywhere.”