The Velveteen Rabbit [Hardcover]

Lou Fancher (Adapter, Illustrator), Margery Williams (Author), Steve Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

"There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid." "Real" is a magical word to the Velveteen Rabbit -- he doesn't know quite what it means. But the Skin Horse, who is old and wise, knows, and he shares the secret: Being Real means being loved. Margery Williams's classic story of how a boy's love transforms a velveteen rabbit into a real one has resonated in the hearts of children for decades. Now Lou Fancher has adapted this storybook for a younger audience, and it has been brilliantly illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Here is a feast for both eye and ear -- the perfect book for any child who cherishes a stuffed animal -- and believes in magic.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A stuffed toy rabbit (with real thread whiskers) comes to life in Margery Williams's timeless tale of the transformative power of love. Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all of the other toys, waiting for the day when the Boy (as he is called) will choose him as a playmate. In time, the shy Rabbit befriends the tattered Skin Horse, the wisest resident of the nursery, who reveals the goal of all nursery toys: to be made "real" through the love of a human. "'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'" This sentimental classic--perfect for any child who's ever thought that maybe, just maybe, his or her toys have feelings--has been charming children since its first publication in 1922. (A great read-aloud for all ages, but children ages 8 and up can read it on their own.) --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Quiet, graceful illustrations accentuate the classic tale's nostalgic tone. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Special Edition edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689841345
• ISBN-13: 978-0689841347
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (225 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #796,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A TRUE CLASSIC FILLED WITH A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE, June 5, 2001

By 

Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Velveteen Rabbit (Hardcover)

I seldom write reviews on children's books, although I love them with a passion. My children are now mothers and my grandchildren are past young childhood. However, I believe that somewhere deep inside each of us remains a small child that still loves fairy tales, cotton candy, and walking barefoot in the grass. This book was one of my children's favourites, along with "Charlotte's Web;" both were also my own personal favourites. When my children were six years old reading this book became a nighly adventure until I knew the words by heart. For the reviewer who rated the book with a one star due to a spelling error, my heart goes out to you; you have sadly missed something very important - the message. The book is not about spelling, editing or lack thereof; it is about encouragement and love.

The book tells the story of a toy, sawdust-filled rabbit who wishes with all his heart to become real. The message contained in this book is poignant, heart-warming and touching, and one that you will never foreget as long as you live. It is a story of beauty, wonder and love. Any child who misses out on "The Velveteen Rabbit" is missing out on one of life's greatest lessons. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful, wonderful book and highly recommend it to children...and the grown-up child in all of us.

87 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I still love this book...I always will, October 24, 2000

By 

Robert Knetsch "Wanna-be theologian" (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Velveteen Rabbit (Hardcover)

These are the days of Sony Playstation 2 and Harry Potter, activites that do not really ever try to tell a great story that also gives a lesson without being preachy.

The Velveteen Rabbit is heartwrenchingly beautiful. The Rabbit who yearns to be Real and whose love for the boy was unconditional is both imaginative and sad. I cannot read this book without a lump coming to my throat and being transported to simpler days when the love of a toy was the greatest thing in the whole world.

This is a book with an ending that is mixed, that touches on the ambiguity of life and loss. But there is also hope of a new beginning. And I think children can understand that and grow from it.

I cherish this book deeply.

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story for children, but appeals to adults, April 8, 2009

By 

Mondo Dave (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Velveteen Rabbit (Kindle Edition)

The prose is engaging and entertaining. It is the best kind of children's story -- appealing to adults. There are no pictures in this edition, but the text stands up very well on its own, and if you have not read it, it is well worth the time--such a quick and pleasant read.