The Velveteen Rabbit | Bedtime Stories

At bedtime, when things quiet down and dreams start, one story has touched hearts for years: The Velveteen Rabbit. This magical tale looks at love, loss, and what it means to be real. Imagine a world where toys come to life through a child’s love.

A simple velveteen rabbit goes on an incredible journey that makes us think about existence. Parents often read this classic story to their kids, attracted not just to its charming characters but also to its important lessons about being open and true to oneself.

Let’s explore this timeless story and see why The Velveteen Rabbit is a favorite part of bedtime routines around the world.

History of the Story

The Velveteen Rabbit is a British children’s book written by Margery Williams (also known as Margery Williams Bianco) and illustrated by William Nicholson. It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real through the love of his owner.

The Velveteen Rabbit Story

In a cozy Boy’s room, there lived a soft and fluffy Velveteen Rabbit, nestled comfortably in a toybox. Every day, the Boy’s eager hands would reach into the box to pull out the beloved Rabbit, filling its heart with joy. Together, they would embark on endless adventures fueled by imagination.

As time passed, shiny new toys began to fill the toybox. These toys dazzled the Boy with their impressive tricks some whirred to life at the push of a button while others bounced high into the air. The Velveteen Rabbit lacked such special features; it simply remained soft and cuddly.

The Boy’s attention shifted towards these newer gadgets, leaving the Velveteen Rabbit feeling forgotten. Each night, as darkness draped over the room, the other toys gathered to boast about their talents and tricks. In this chatter of pride and excitement, the Velveteen Rabbit sat in silence.

There was only one other companion who shared its fluffiness the old Cowboy Horse whose fur had become patchy from years of love. Like the Rabbit, Cowboy Horse could do no fancy tricks but understood that true happiness came from being loved for who you are not what you could do.

Cowboy Horse looked at the Velveteen Rabbit with warm, understanding eyes. “Don’t listen to them,” he whispered reassuringly. “Soft toys like us are truly the lucky ones. We’re surrounded by love.” The Velveteen Rabbit tilted his head curiously. “What do you mean, ‘Real’?” he asked.

“Being Real is magical,” said Cowboy Horse with a glimmer in his voice. “When you’re Real, you can move on your own, and most importantly, if you’re loved deeply, you can show that love back.”

Just then, Nana burst into the room with a flurry of activity. She rushed over to the toy box and exclaimed, “Oh dear! That walking doggie is missing! I need something else for the Boy!”

In an instant, she picked up the Velveteen Rabbit and placed him gently on the bed next to the Boy. This marked the beginning of countless joyful adventures together.

Every night, the Boy held him close as they drifted off to sleep, while mornings were filled with giggles as they created rabbit holes under the sheets. Whenever the Boy ventured outside for picnics or trips to the park, he made sure to bring the Velveteen Rabbit along as his trusted companion.

With all those hugs and endless cuddles, the rabbit’s fur became matted and its once vibrant pink nose dulled slightly; yet none of it mattered. All that truly counted was how happy it felt in each moment spent with its beloved Boy.

One day, the Boy fell ill. A fever swept through him, and soon his forehead felt like a furnace. The doctor rushed in, examining the child with furrowed brows, while Nana paced anxiously, her heart heavy with worry.

Day by day, the Boy remained confined to his bed. He longed for laughter and play but could only stare out of the window at the world moving on without him. The Velveteen Rabbit lay beside him, offering silent companionship as they both waited for better days to come.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doctor delivered news that brightened their hearts: the Boy was getting better! Joy erupted in their home as plans were made for a trip to the shore a place where golden sands kissed a big blue ocean.

The Velveteen Rabbit’s heart soared at this exciting prospect. But just then, Nana turned to the doctor and asked about her old friend. What about this old bunny? she said gently.

Oh, that tattered thing?” scoffed the doctor. “It’s crawling with scarlet fever germs! Burn it immediately and buy him a new one.” The Velveteen Rabbit’s heart sank as he realized he might be lost forever.

The Velveteen Rabbit found himself unceremoniously tossed into a sack, accompanied by the Boy’s rumpled bed sheets, old clothes, and a collection of forgotten items. The gardener was instructed to take the sack to the backyard and burn its contents. Preoccupied with picking beans and peas before night fell, he set the sack aside with a mutter, I’ll take care of it tomorrow.

The top of the sack was left untied, allowing the Velveteen Rabbit to tumble out onto the cool grass below. When morning arrived and the gardener finally approached the sack again, he discovered it was empty. A soft rain began to fall.

Feeling profoundly alone and remembering the warmth of being cuddled next to the Boy, sorrow washed over him. A tear escaped from his eye, rolling down his fluffy cheek until it landed gently on the grass. Suddenly, where that tear touched the ground a miraculous thing occurred a flower sprang up from that very spot.

As if by magic, a bud blossomed open, revealing a tiny Fairy nestled inside! With her shimmering wings glittering in the damp light, hope surged through the Velveteen Rabbit’s heart once more.

Little Rabbit, said the Fairy, her voice ethereal and light. “Do you know who I am?” Should I know you?” the Velveteen Rabbit replied, his tone tinged with curiosity. I’m the Fairy who takes care of toys that are deeply loved,” she explained softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth.  

The Velveteen Rabbit looked down at himself. He was shabby and frayed; once vibrant pink lining in his ears had faded to a dull grey, and his once-bright dark brown spots were now barely visible. The boy’s affection had worn him down, yet he felt cherished nonetheless.  

“It is time for me to make you Real,” said the Fairy, a gentle smile gracing her face. “I think I remember what it means to be Real,” he murmured, recalling Cowboy Horse’s words: “When you are Real, you move when you want to move.”  

A tingle swept through him as she touched him with her wand. In an instant, those legs that were always stitched tightly began to part!  Just then, a fly buzzed around and landed on his head. Instinctively, one foot shot up to shoo it away he could move!

The Velveteen Rabbit marveled at his newfound freedom. He could move and explore the world around him whenever he wished! The Fairy smiled and introduced him to a group of lively rabbits who played nearby. Together, they leaped and chased each other in delight, quickly becoming great friends.

As days passed, the Boy returned from the shore, feeling much better. One sunny afternoon, he ventured into the backyard to play. From the shadows of the trees, several rabbits emerged to greet him.

Among them was a rabbit with soft brown fur, another that was pure white, and a third with a speckled coat of dark and light browns. The spotted rabbit hopped close to the Boy’s side.

In that moment, the Boy said to himself, “This rabbit reminds me so much of my old Bunny that I lost while I was sick.” Little did he know that this magical creature before him was indeed his beloved Bunny, returned at last because of the Velveteen Rabbit’s transformation into something real through love.

Moral of the Story

The Velveteen Rabbit stands as a timeless tale that beautifully captures the essence of love, transformation, and the magic of childhood. Through its enchanting narrative and heartfelt lessons, it reminds us all of the importance of genuine connections and the power that love holds in making us real. So tonight, as you cuddle up with your little ones, consider reading The Velveteen Rabbit to open their hearts to a world where love truly makes everything real.

Read Also: Puss in Boots | Bedtime Stories

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