The velveteen rabbit

“The velveteen rabbit” is the story of a little toy rabbit who dreams of becoming real through the power of love. This tender tale explores the magical bond between a child and their toy, showing us that love is what makes us real.

Written by Margery Williams and first published in 1922, “The velveteen rabbit” has become a classic loved by generations. In this article, you’ll find two versions: the full story and a simplified graded reader, perfect for young English learners. With questions to build comprehension and vocabulary, this tale brings the magic of love and self-discovery to life.

Want more heartwarming stories? The Studycat Learn English app offers interactive stories, games, and lessons for your child.

Let’s pounce into world of “The velveteen rabbit” and see how love transforms everything!

The story of “The velveteen rabbit”

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who received a Velveteen Rabbit for Christmas. The rabbit was soft, with velvety fur, shiny button eyes, and long ears. At first, the rabbit was very excited, thinking he would be the boy’s favorite toy. But soon, the boy became more interested in other toys—those that were shiny and mechanical.

The Velveteen Rabbit felt sad and forgotten in the nursery, wishing he could be as real and important as the other toys. One day, the rabbit asked the Skin Horse, an old, wise toy in the nursery, “What does it mean to be real?”

The Skin Horse, who had been loved for many years, explained, “Real isn’t how you’re made. It’s something that happens when a child loves you for a long, long time. When you are truly loved, you become real.”

The Velveteen Rabbit thought about this often, wondering if he would ever become real. He longed for the day when the boy would love him enough to make him real.

The boy’s favorite toy

As time went by, the boy started playing with the Velveteen Rabbit more and more. He took the rabbit everywhere—to bed, outside, and on adventures in the garden. The Velveteen Rabbit became the boy’s constant companion, and soon, the boy loved him deeply.

Though the rabbit’s velvety fur had become worn and his button eyes were a little scratched, the boy didn’t care. To him, the Velveteen Rabbit was the most real and precious toy of all.

The Velveteen Rabbit was happy, but he still didn’t understand what it meant to be truly real. “Is being real something you can feel?” he wondered.

A magical transformation

One day, the boy became very sick with scarlet fever, and the doctors said that everything in his room, including the Velveteen Rabbit, had to be thrown away to prevent the illness from spreading. The Velveteen Rabbit was placed outside with a pile of other toys and items to be burned.

As the rabbit lay in the garden, feeling sad and forgotten, something magical happened. A beautiful Fairy appeared and gently touched the rabbit’s head. “You have been loved so much that you have become real,” the Fairy said. “Now, it’s time for you to join the other real rabbits in the forest.”

The Velveteen Rabbit couldn’t believe it. He felt his body change—his fur became soft and warm, his legs strong, and he could hop and run like a real rabbit! The Fairy lifted him up and carried him into the woods, where he joined a group of wild rabbits. For the first time, the Velveteen Rabbit was truly alive.

The boy and the real rabbit

In the spring, after the boy recovered from his illness, he went out to play in the garden. He didn’t know that the wild rabbit hopping through the flowers was once his beloved toy. But the Velveteen Rabbit remembered the boy fondly and knew that it was the boy’s love that had made him real.

The Velveteen Rabbit was no longer just a stuffed toy—he was a real rabbit, and he would never forget the boy who had loved him so much.

The moral of “The velveteen rabbit”

True love makes us real, even if it changes us along the way.
The Velveteen Rabbit teaches us that love is powerful and transformative. It’s not about how you look on the outside but the depth of the love and care you receive. Realness comes from being loved and valued over time, even if it makes you a little worn or faded.

Questions about “The velveteen rabbit”

1. What kind of toy was the Velveteen Rabbit?
2. What did the Skin Horse tell the Velveteen Rabbit about being real?
3. How did the Velveteen Rabbit become the boy’s favorite toy?
4. Why did the doctors say the Velveteen Rabbit had to be thrown away?
5. How did the Velveteen Rabbit become real in the end?

Answers

1. The Velveteen Rabbit was a soft, stuffed rabbit made of velvet.
2. The Skin Horse told the Velveteen Rabbit that becoming real happens when a child loves you for a long, long time.
3. The Velveteen Rabbit became the boy’s favorite toy because the boy took him everywhere and loved him deeply.
4. The doctors said the Velveteen Rabbit had to be thrown away because the boy had scarlet fever, and they were worried the rabbit might carry the illness.
5. The Fairy made the Velveteen Rabbit real because he had been loved so much by the boy.

Words to learn

• Velvet: A soft, smooth fabric. The Velveteen Rabbit was made of velvet, making him soft to touch.
• Real: In this story, being real means being truly loved and cared for over time.
• Scarlet fever: A disease that can make people very sick. The boy had scarlet fever, which is why the Velveteen Rabbit had to be thrown away.
• Fairy: A magical creature who helps the Velveteen Rabbit become real.
• Love: A deep feeling of affection. The boy’s love for the Velveteen Rabbit made him real.

What type of story is “The velveteen rabbit”?

The Velveteen Rabbit is a children’s story that teaches a lesson about love and transformation.

Who wrote “The velveteen rabbit”?

The Velveteen Rabbit was written by Margery Williams, a British author known for her children’s books. Learn more about her here.

When was “The velveteen rabbit” written?

The Velveteen Rabbit was first published in 1922 by Margery Williams.

Who are the main characters in “The velveteen rabbit”?

The main characters are the Velveteen Rabbit, the Skin Horse, the boy, and the Fairy.

What lesson can we learn from “The velveteen rabbit”?

We learn that love is what makes us real, and being real isn’t about how we look on the outside—it’s about the love we receive and give over time. The story reminds us that true beauty and realness come from being loved, even if it means becoming worn or faded.

”The velveteen rabbit” story for young English learners (ages 2-5, Pre-A1 graded reader)

Once upon a time, there was a soft and cuddly rabbit made of velveteen. He lived on a shelf with other toys. The rabbit wanted to be loved and special.

One day, a little boy received the velveteen rabbit as a gift. The boy loved him very much. He took the rabbit everywhere and played with him every day.

As the boy played with the rabbit, he cuddled him and hugged him tight. The velveteen rabbit felt very happy. He wished he could become real.

One night, the rabbit asked the Skin Horse, an old and wise toy, “What does it mean to be real?”

The Skin Horse said, “Being real happens when you are loved. It may be hard, but it is very special.”

One day, the boy got sick. He had to stay in bed. The velveteen rabbit stayed with him all the time. The boy hugged him even more.

After some time, the boy got better, but the rabbit became worn and shabby. He had lost his beautiful look, but he was loved more than ever.

One day, the boy played outside in the garden. A fairy appeared and touched the velveteen rabbit. With a wave of her wand, she turned him into a real rabbit.

The velveteen rabbit was so happy! He hopped away into the garden, where he could play with other real rabbits. He had finally become real because he was truly loved.

Fun fact!

Did you know? “The velveteen rabbit” has been adapted into many different versions over the years, including plays, animated films, and even ballets. Its message of love and becoming real has made it a timeless story for all ages.