Do you remember the first time you read THE VELVETEEN RABBIT? The magical story of a stuffed bunny yearning to be real and the vivid feelings of loneliness, longing, love, and friendship seem to strike a chord with all who read it. Now new readers, children’s literature lovers, collectors, and fans of the story can enjoy Margery Williams’ unforgettable classic in a lush, gift book edition that includes the classic illustrations as colorful as they were in the original 1922 edition.
Artist William Nicholson’s original art hops off the page in this latest version, which contains illustrations digitally re-scanned from a rare 1922 first edition housed in the Morgan Library of New York City, and gives readers a real look at the true luminosity and subtle details of the illustrations.
A handsome, cloth-bound case with foil stamping and a tipped-in color piece on the front cover encloses an unsurpassed printing on high-quality uncoated paper, restoring the book’s vintage and timeless feel and making this a truly one-of-a-kind gift, perfect for Easter, baby showers, holidays, and any day.
Sandra D. Peters wrote: “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.
“Hague’s warm paintings give a soft sheen to Williams’s classic story. Ages 5-10. ” –Publishers Weekly
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.) — Amazon.com Review
(Doubleday / on sale January 28, 2014 / $19.99)
Young People's Pavilion 
OH, When I saw this today it brought back all the warm memories of this beautiful story. I want to get my hands on The Velveteen Rabbit now! You are never too old for this one.