Emma Thompson writing Peter Rabbit tale

LONDON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- British actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson has confirmed she is writing a Peter Rabbit book to be published in 2012.

Thompson has previously written the screenplays for the films "Sense and Sensibility" and "Nanny McPhee."

The BBC said she had been tapped to write an original Peter Rabbit story in honor of the upcoming 110th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's classic 1902 children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."

Thompson announced last week on Scottish-born Craig Ferguson's U.S. chat show that she "had a lovely little job offer."

"They asked me to write a new story, so I'm going to take (Peter) to Scotland," she said.

Publisher Frederick Warne confirmed Thompson's involvement in the project, the British broadcaster said.

The BBC did not say who would illustrate the book.