The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real
Margery Williams


Margery Williams's The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real is a beloved children's classic first published in 1922. The story centers on a humble stuffed rabbit, gifted to a young boy at Christmas, who longs to become "Real" through the transformative power of love. Initially ignored in favor of newer, mechanical toys, the velveteen rabbit finds comfort and wisdom from the Skin Horse, the oldest toy in the nursery, who explains that toys become real when they are truly loved by a child: "Real isn't how you are made… it's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time… then you become Real".

As the boy grows attached to the rabbit, taking him everywhere, the rabbit's fur becomes worn, but he is happy and cherished. When the boy falls ill with scarlet fever, the doctor orders all contaminated toys, including the rabbit, to be destroyed. Left alone in the garden, the rabbit sheds a real tear, summoning the Nursery Magic Fairy. Because the boy truly loved him, the fairy transforms the velveteen rabbit into a living rabbit, allowing him to experience life among real rabbits in the wild. The following spring, the rabbit returns to watch over the boy, who recognizes a familiar look in the wild rabbit's eyes.

Williams's tale is both heartwarming and bittersweet, exploring themes of love, loss, and what it means to be "real." The evocative illustrations by William Nicholson enhance the story's enduring charm. The Velveteen Rabbit continues to resonate across generations, offering a moving meditation on childhood, imagination, and the power of genuine affection.





Margery Williams

The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real





Reader Reactions



From Bill Dought

A terrific book, even as an adult, but it gave me quite a scare as a little kid. See, I actually managed to get scarlet fever in the first grade, and because of The Velveteen Rabbit, I was terrified that someone was going to come in and force me to burn all of my toys like the kid in the book had to when he was sick. Thankfully, though, medicine advanced beyond toy burning in between the publishing of this book and 1982, so my G.I. Joes were safe.


From Georgia Scott

The writing made me wonder if the author had been ill as a child. The depiction of illness rings so true. So, I searched and found instead that we shared something else. That was the loss of a parent when very young. Seriousness is a trait that people like us find hard to shake.

This seriousness may be disturbing for some adult readers. But I wager that children will welcome its frank message. Resilience given half a chance, is there in all of us should we need it. Love can hurt sometimes. That's ok, it tells us.

Its author found out at the age of seven after the loss of her father. The illustrator, with the loss of his son in the First World War and of his wife in the influenza pandemic, knew as well. Their understanding comes across with sensitivity in every word and paint brush stroke.

A magical story, it is told with care and will build everyone's courage to form attachments.


From Nilguen

What an endearing and meaningful children's book that encapsulates the pure love of a little boy and his velveteen toy rabbit.

I read this book to my little boy and it will accompany us for a lifetime. It's a beautiful reminder of unconditional love and support.

Thanks to all my bookish friends on this platform who wrote brilliant reviews on this children's book, thus encouraging me to get a copy of the same.


From Wendy Darling

My favorite book of all time… with timeless themes of love and loss. If you've never heard Meryl Streep pitch-perfect reading of this book, or seen David Jorgensen's beautiful drawings, you've never really experienced it properly.


From Shirley Revill

My children and grandchildren loved this book and I must admit I loved it too.

A wonderful classic children's story. Recommended.




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About Margery Williams





Margery Williams in 1911 by James Bolivar Manson




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