Beatrix Potter is known for her famous books, but it all started with picture letters. One such letter she wrote to a sick child named Noel Moore in 1893 featured a character named Peter Rabbit.

"Much later, she would borrow it back, copy it, and write the actual book that would sell millions and millions of copies," said Philip Palmer, the Robert H. Taylor Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan.

That book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," was the beginning of a successful literary career for Potter. Her books and extraordinary life are the focus of an exhibition at the Morgan called "Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature."

It spotlights the beloved British children's book author and illustrator and the inspiration she drew from the natural world.

"Visitors will come away with a stronger sense of Beatrix Potter as a woman, and her long career, not just writing picture books, but also pursuing science and environmentalism," Palmer said. 

There are early sketches of nature — everything from animals like Peter Piper, her rabbit that inspired the character, to mushrooms and insects. 

There's also a re-creation of her Hill Top Cottage in England's Lake District, with a window seat perfect for reading some of her little books written there, plus more of the picture letters written to children, including some mini-letters written in the voices of characters from her books.

Artifacts include Potter's walking stick, with a magnifying glass on top for her study of nature, and her clogs. Potter would devote her later years to land preservation, living as a sheep breeder and farmer.

"She is well known for leaving over 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust, and preserved a lot of land for future generations to enjoy," Palmer said.

See every side of Beatrix Potter at the Morgan through June 9. Plan your visit here.