Customer Reviews

The Real Little Bunny (Ariel Books)

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I will admit to being hugely skeptical upon first hearing that someone had written a sequel to "The Velveteen Rabbit", one of the greatest books ever written. Margery Williams' timeless original was so perfect - how could anyone add to it? I took a chance on "The Real Little Bunny" only because Ariel Books' edition of "The Velveteen Rabbit" is my personal favorite, and I really enjoyed Robyn Officer's illustrations.
It can now be said that Jennifer Greenway's sequel is a worthy follow-up that goes in some new directions while still paying reverent tribute to its original inspiration. Make no mistake: this is NOT a modern update or retelling of the original story. Greenway effectively captures the language, style, and atmosphere of Williams while telling a completely new story of what happens after the Velveteen Rabbit becomes Real.
One could always ask, "Would Williams (who died in 1944) have approved of this?" While there are some differences and new elements, I feel that overall Greenway has been faithful to the characters, and Robyn Officer's illustrations are once again magnificent. "The Real Little Bunny" is best thought of not as a sequel, but as a variation on a theme. It does not detract from the original story, which to this day stands very well on its own. Thank you, Ariel Books!