The timeless story of the toy rabbit who wanted to be real is brought to life by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep and acclaimed pianist George Winston in this illustrated book and compact disc edition.

Meryl Streep lends her amazingly talented voice to the story of a stuffed bunny who is the Boy's favorite toy but yearns to be Real. The characters come to life through the artistry of her performance, enhanced by the original piano score by celebrated musician George Winston.

Let Rabbit Ears take you on the magical journey from toy chest to Real in this extraordinary version of The Velveteen Rabbit.

Average Customer Review: ( 230 customer reviews )
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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.

90 of 96 found the following review helpful:

I still love this book...I always willOct 24, 2000
By Robert Knetsch "Wanna-be theologian"
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.

49 of 52 found the following review helpful:

Sweet story for children, but appeals to adultsApr 09, 2009
By Mondo Dave
The prose is engaging and entertaining. It is the best kind of children's story -- appealing to adults. There are no pictures in this edition, but the text stands up very well on its own, and if you have not read it, it is well worth the time--such a quick and pleasant read.

36 of 40 found the following review helpful:

My daughter's favorite book!Jun 19, 2000
By Rosemary Thornton "Niece of Addie Hoyt Fargo (age 29)"
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."

25 of 27 found the following review helpful:

Best of the childrens classicsJun 08, 2009
By EileeninCT
Very sweet and well written story - makes me wonder why these and other childrens classics are not as widely read in schools or sold in book stores. I looked for one of my favorites, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, (Hans Christian Anderson) but could not find it at Barnes & Noble. It's too bad because these classics are so much better written with more life lessons for kids than today's popular fiction.

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