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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco is a timeless classic that has captivated readers since its publication in 1922. This poignant story follows the journey of a stuffed rabbit, splendidly sewn from velveteen, who becomes the cherished toy of a little boy. Through the boy’s love, the Velveteen Rabbit learns the true meaning of being "Real."
Summary
On Christmas morning, a little boy receives many presents, including the Velveteen Rabbit. Initially overlooked, the Rabbit soon finds a place in the boy’s heart, becoming his constant companion. As the Rabbit begins to wear out, he struggles with his desire to become Real. A wise old toy, the Skin Horse, tells him that realness comes from being loved.
Highlights
Emotional Depth: The story is deeply moving, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It's a tale that resonates with both children and adults, offering a simple yet profound message.
Universal Appeal: While children enjoy the story for its simplicity and magic, adults appreciate its deeper meanings and reflections on life and love.
Personal Connections: The reviewer's personal experiences with the book, like being scared of losing toys during an illness, add an intimate touch that many readers can relate to.
Themes
Transformative Power of Love: The Velveteen Rabbit's transformation into a Real Rabbit symbolizes the powerful impact of love and companionship.
Loss of Innocence: The story gently addresses the inevitable loss of childhood innocence, blending reality with a touch of magic.
Imagination and Reality: It encourages readers to ponder the boundaries between fantasy and reality, and how love can bridge the gap.
Author Background
Margery Williams Bianco drew from her own life experiences to write The Velveteen Rabbit. Born in London, she moved to America after her father's death. Her memories of childhood and the importance of toys in a child's life deeply influenced her writing. She began writing for children later in life, when her own children had grown up.
Conclusion
The Velveteen Rabbit remains a beloved classic, speaking to children and adults alike. It’s a story that transcends generations, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. This book is a must-read, evoking both nostalgia and a sense of wonder.
Summary
On Christmas morning, a little boy receives many presents, including the Velveteen Rabbit. Initially overlooked, the Rabbit soon finds a place in the boy’s heart, becoming his constant companion. As the Rabbit begins to wear out, he struggles with his desire to become Real. A wise old toy, the Skin Horse, tells him that realness comes from being loved.
Highlights
Emotional Depth: The story is deeply moving, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It's a tale that resonates with both children and adults, offering a simple yet profound message.
Universal Appeal: While children enjoy the story for its simplicity and magic, adults appreciate its deeper meanings and reflections on life and love.
Personal Connections: The reviewer's personal experiences with the book, like being scared of losing toys during an illness, add an intimate touch that many readers can relate to.
Themes
Transformative Power of Love: The Velveteen Rabbit's transformation into a Real Rabbit symbolizes the powerful impact of love and companionship.
Loss of Innocence: The story gently addresses the inevitable loss of childhood innocence, blending reality with a touch of magic.
Imagination and Reality: It encourages readers to ponder the boundaries between fantasy and reality, and how love can bridge the gap.
Author Background
Margery Williams Bianco drew from her own life experiences to write The Velveteen Rabbit. Born in London, she moved to America after her father's death. Her memories of childhood and the importance of toys in a child's life deeply influenced her writing. She began writing for children later in life, when her own children had grown up.
Conclusion
The Velveteen Rabbit remains a beloved classic, speaking to children and adults alike. It’s a story that transcends generations, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. This book is a must-read, evoking both nostalgia and a sense of wonder.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“Sometimes when you are real, you don’t mind being hurt” 😭😭😭😭. This book is beautiful!
I was not a fan of this book as a kid or as an adult. I really found this book to be boring and it did not keep my interest.
I loved this book, the story, the characters, the concept. I never even knew what I was reading I just hopped along happily.
Lovely short story. The audiobook is only 30 mins and free with Apple so was nice and easy.
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
This is one of my favorite books of all time! A true classic that will never be forgotten. Real is something that happens to you bit by bit. It hurts and it takes a long time. But despite the effects of the journey, you can’t be ugly, except to those who don’t understand. This is such beautiful a metaphor for life, and everything that we go through along the way. Our stories make us. Just because they may be difficult, they are what make us beautiful, and those who understand can see that. I love this story! I just gave it to my friend for her baby shower and hope that her family loves it as much as I do.
“‘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.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'
'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. 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.”
“‘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.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'
'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. 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.”