In the 1890s , Potter sent illustrated story letters to the children of Annie Moore , who had used to be her governess . In 1900 , Moore , who realized how popular Potter 's stories could become , suggested they be made into books . Through the 1890s , Potter sent illustrated story letters to the children of her former governess , Annie Moore , and , in 1900 , Moore , realizing the commercial potential of Potter 's stories , suggested they be made into books .