In this occasional series, I’ll be looking at children’s books that feature sentient toys – loved playthings that gain the ability to think, feel, and interact independently. The concept of toys coming to life, or becoming real, has always been a popular theme in literature and we have been given many stories of toys leaving their inanimate states to develop personalities, emotions, and a sense of agency. Here is a favourite to begin with.
Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
– Margery Williams
The Velveteen Rabbit is a British children’s story written by Margery Williams. The story first appeared in Harper’s Bazaar magazine in 1921 featuring illustrations from Williams’ daughter Pamela Bianco. In 1922 it was published as a book illustrated by William Nicholson and has been republished many times since then. Williams wrote numerous other children’s books, but this one remains her most well-known.
The Velveteen Rabbit is a heartwarming children’s story that explores the transformative power of love and the magic of becoming real. The story begins when a toy rabbit sewn from velveteen is given to a young boy as a Christmas present. The boy puts the rabbit aside and plays with his other new presents. The other toys are sophisticated and mechanical, and they snub the old-fashioned velveteen rabbit.
However, as time passes the boy forms a special bond with the rabbit, making it his constant companion, and the Velveteen Rabbit becomes older and shabbier but their bond grows stronger. The toy learns about the concept of becoming “real” from the wise Skin Horse, an old nursery toy, and longs to become “real” himself. Realness, in the context of this story, is achieved through the deep and genuine love of a child.
There have been numerous books, audio books, adaptations and videos of The Velveteen Rabbit. I’ve got just a few to share here, but you can find a list of them all here.
The story was first published in Harper’s Bazaar in 1921 featuring illustrations from Williams’ daughter Pamela Bianco. You can read it here.
The Velveteen Rabbit, was first published in book form in 1922 in New York by Doubleday & Company, Inc. Read it and enjoy the original illustrations by William Nicholson in full here.
In 1973, LSB Productions made a 16 mm live-action film version that won multiple awards.
In 1984, it was part of the Enchanted Musical Playhouse series, where Marie Osmond played the part of the Velveteen Rabbit. Songs were composed by the Sherman Brothers.
In 1985, an animated adaptation narrated by Christopher Plummer, was produced in Canada by Atkinson Film-Arts for CTV. In this version, the boy is given the rabbit for his birthday instead of Christmas.
In 1985 an album by pianist George Winston and narrated by Meryl Streep was produced by Mark Sottnick and Clay Stites. (This was nominated for a Grammy Award.)
In 2023, a 40-minute Christmas special was produced by Magic Light Pictures and released by Apple TV+. It features Phoenix Laroche and the voices of Alex Lawther, Helena Bonham Carter and Nicola Coughlan.
This poignant story beautifully illustrates the transformative power of love, emphasising the idea that true worth comes from the genuine connections we form with others. One hundred years after it was written, The Velveteen Rabbit remains a timeless tale cherished by readers of all ages today.
Have you just revisited this charming story now? Did you read this book as a child? Do you think that today’s children with sophisticated toys will appreciate this tale? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Selected links for relevant websites, books, movies, videos, and more. Some of these links lead to protected content on this website, learn more about that here.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams audio recording
The Velveteen Rabbit Was Always More Than a Children’s Book
As The Velveteen Rabbit turns 100, its message continues to resonate
Literary Ladies Guide: Margery Williams Bianco, Author of The Velveteen Rabbit