The Velveteen Rabbit: or, How Toys Become Real (First Avenue Classics ™)
What’s inside...
The Velveteen Rabbit is a children's book written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. It tells the story of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real through the love of his owner. The rabbit faces challenges when his owner becomes ill and leaves him behind, but his desire to be loved and become real remains strong. The book, first published in 1922, has become a classic and has received the IRA/CBC Children's Choice award. This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Velveteen Rabbit special to the Boy?
Why do you think the Rabbit wants to become real?
How did the Rabbit's feelings change throughout the story?
What does 'real' mean to you after hearing this story?
How do you think the Rabbit felt when the Boy still loved him, even after he became very old and worn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience lively and engaging for your child.
After reading a portion of the book, pause and ask your child how they feel about the events. This helps connect personally with the Rabbit’s journey.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s own experiences with their toys or belongings.
Discuss the concept of love and friendship depicted in the book and encourage your child to share their own thoughts and feelings on the subject.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story to foster creativity and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of love and being loved
Explanation: In the story, the Velveteen Rabbit learns that being loved deeply makes you real. This transformative power of love is demonstrated through his relationship with the Boy, who loves him unconditionally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the importance of loving and caring for others, realizing that their affection has the power to impact the lives and feelings of those around them.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and embracing differences
Explanation: As the Velveteen Rabbit becomes worn and shabby from play, he worries he isn’t as nice-looking as the other toys. However, he learns that his value isn't based on his appearance, but on the love he shares with the Boy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that true acceptance comes from within and that they should value others (and themselves) not for how they look, but for their inner qualities and the love they share.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: The Velveteen Rabbit faces many challenges, from feeling inferior among newer toys to battling illness alongside the Boy. Despite these obstacles, his determination and loyalty never waver.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of staying resilient and faithful even in difficult situations, understanding that hardships are a part of life and can be overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: Transformation and personal growth
Explanation: Through his experiences and the love from the Boy, the Velveteen Rabbit undergoes a profound transformation from a mere toy to a beloved, real rabbit.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to embrace personal growth and change, recognizing that life's experiences, both good and bad, contribute to who they are and can lead to real, meaningful development.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The Boy's imaginative play brings the Velveteen Rabbit to life, granting him experiences and adventures that help him grow.
Real-World Application: Emphasizing the importance of creativity and imagination in everyday life, children learn that their imaginative play can be a powerful tool for personal development and experiencing joy.