The Velveteen Rabbit

There was once a Velveteen Rabbit. His coat was spotted brown and white. He had whiskers made of thread. His ears were made of pink satin. On Christmas morning, he sat at the top of the Boy’s stocking.

There were other things in the stocking: candy, oranges, and a toy train. But the Boy liked the Rabbit best of all.

That night, and for many nights after, the Velveteen Rabbit slept in the Boy’s bed.

At first, the Rabbit was uncomfortable. The Boy hugged him very tight and sometimes rolled over on top of him. But very soon, the Rabbit grew to like the Boy.

The Boy talked to him and made tunnels for him under the sheets.

“Just like the burrows REAL rabbits live in,” the Boy said.

The Boy whispered secrets to the Rabbit. When the Boy fell asleep, the Rabbit snuggled under the Boy’s warm chin.

“What is REAL?” Rabbit asked his friend Rocking Horse one day. Rocking Horse was very wise and knew all about nursery magic.

“When a child loves you for a long time, then you become REAL,” said the horse.

The Rabbit sighed. He wanted to become REAL, but he knew it would take a long time.

Spring came, and the little Rabbit was very happy.

The Boy and the Rabbit had long days together in the garden. Wherever the Boy went, the Rabbit went, too. They had rides in the wheelbarrow and picnics on the grass.

One night, the Boy could not find Rabbit. He cried and cried until Rabbit was found and placed back in his arms.

“It’s just a toy,” his nanny said.

“He isn’t a toy,” the Boy cried. “He is REAL!” The nursery magic had worked. Rabbit was no longer just a toy. He was REAL!