Meryl Streep reads Margery Williams's gentle story of a stuffed bunny who becomes real through the love of a child in this 25-minute video version of the classic 1922 tale. A Christmas gift that is ignored, then beloved, ... more »and then abandoned, the rabbit with the pink sateen ears comes to love the boy who takes him everywhere and through that love finds literal rebirth. Academy Award-winning actress Streep doesn't disappoint as she liltingly brings the toy rabbit to life--with the help of the nursery magic fairy. Streep's reading is complemented by George Winston's music and soft illustrations by David Jorgenson, who also illustrates a book and audio cassette version. --Kimberly Heinrichs« less
Robert Knetsch | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 10/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These are the days of Sony Playstation 2 and Harry Potter, activites that do not really ever try to tell a great story that also gives a lesson without being preachy. The Velveteen Rabbit is heartwrenchingly beautiful. The Rabbit who yearns to be Real and whose love for the boy was unconditional is both imaginative and sad. I cannot read this book without a lump coming to my throat and being transported to simpler days when the love of a toy was the greatest thing in the whole world.This is a book with an ending that is mixed, that touches on the ambiguity of life and loss. But there is also hope of a new beginning. And I think children can understand that and grow from it. I cherish this book deeply."
A TRUE CLASSIC FILLED WITH A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Sandra D. Peters | Prince Edward Island, Canada | 06/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
My daughter's favorite book!
Rosemary Thornton | Norfolk, VA | 06/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Daughter Anna (now 19 years old) loved this book. It was her favorite above all others. As we sorted through some old kid things for give-away purposes, we stumbled upon this old, well worn copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit." She insisted we keep the book for HER children.This was her book that Mama (me!) had to read to her again and again and again. As soon as the last word was read on the last page, it was "Mama, please read it again!"(how I miss those days, by the way!)The book also has a powerful message about Love that children understand and cherish.This is a wonderful book. No child should be without their own copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit.""
Not quite what I was looking for.
D. B. Downey | Edgewood Texas | 08/16/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I love the story and it's my friend's favorite book. I was hunting for a gift for her that she'd like and ran into the cover of this thing wich is probably half of what drove you to buying it as well. After I bought it, I discovered that it only has seventeen pages. (The Original Book as like 47) And despite what the cover would suggest, some of the illustration is a bit .. "crappy". I'm not trying to be a tough critic. The story goes along just fine untill the fairy gets into the picture she looks like a goldenbooks gingerbread-man and the diologue drops flat right there and I could almost see a big red "ADAPTATION" stamp across the page. If you want to read your kids or significant others "processed classics", then this is right up your alley. Enjoy."
It's wonderful every time I read it!
D. B. Downey | 11/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I make sure I use this book with each class I teach--3rd and4th graders. They always get it--that love makes us real, too. Theymake the connection between the Skin Horse becoming shabby and people getting old. I always bring in my stuffed velveteen rabbit I bought years ago and it starts making the rounds and popping up on different children's laps. It is a pleasure to see them become attached to the rabbit instead of "mechanical toys that were very superior, and looked down upon everyone else." They also relate to the lessons the Velveteen Rabbit learns from the Skin Horse about how becoming real is a painful process sometimes and can take a long time."