children’s book review – The Velveteen Rabbit

Last month I did a review of my 2 year old’s favorite bedtime story—Cowboy Small . Quick update–he still asks for it every night so I stand by the recommendation!

My 4 year old hasn’t had a favorite in a while; instead he picks something different every time usually with the request that it be a long one…anything to stay up a few extra minutes I guess!

Recently though he has really started taking a liking to The Velveteen Rabbit, which he got in his stocking at Christmas. And compared to Cowboy Small, I am actually pretty entertained with this one so I don’t mind reading it over and over.

It’s a long book and I know there are phrases and even whole pages and concepts that are flying right over his head. For example:

“The mechanical toys were very superior, and looked down upon every on else; they were full of modern ideas, and pretended they were real.”

“What is mechanical? What is superior? What is modern?” You can imagine a new 4 year old isn’t going to get every word. I also assume that he is thinking of looking down in the literal sense. But that’s okay. I don’t expect any child to fully understand every part of this book.

But, it IS a children’s book and he definitely knows what the story is about. It seems like he absolutely loves it!

He especially enjoys hearing from the wise old Skin Horse and likes the descriptions of the bunny burrowing all under the sheets when he sleeps in the boys bed. He has his own treasured stuffed deer he sort of likens to the rabbit.

The language is a little fluffy and extra descriptive but when that tear drops off the Velveteen Rabbit’s face and hits the ground only to spring up as a flower and then a magical fairy—Sam’s eyes get so wide!

Burning toys due to Scarlet Fever is tough for him. Just last night he said “That doctor is MEAN! Maybe they should burn HIM!” Yikes. He is definitely mad about the boy and his bunny being separated!

The book often takes us two nights to finish and this has me looking forward to the days I can read longer books over a course of many nights. Harry Potter will be several more years but I can see it now!

If you don’t have the sweet Velveteen Rabbit in your collection, I can’t recommend enough. I distinctly remember the pictures from the version my mom read to me, but I had forgotten some of the story and have really enjoyed it myself.

Bonus–it makes for a pretty cute addition to the Easter basket!

And if you have any other stories you have been hesitant to read to younger kids because the words and concepts are more difficult than say, Little Blue Truck (also great, just in another way!), I say go for it! I was really surprised that he took away the high points of the story and always loves snuggling his stuffed animal, who has all replacement limbs thanks to our dog, white I read it.