Today marks the publication day of the new picture book edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, beautifully illustrated by David Litchfield, and it is something truly special.
This is a story many will already hold close to their hearts and this new edition feels like a beautiful reintroduction to the classic, ready to be discovered by a new generation of readers.
The Velveteen Rabbit is, at its core, a story about love, loss and what it really means to be real. It follows a small toy rabbit who longs to become real through the love of the child who owns him. While the themes are gentle, they run deep, making this book just as meaningful for adults as it is for children.
Here is a longer synopsis of the book:
The Velveteen Rabbit is the perfect stuffed toy - soft and snuggly. But he dreams of being more than a toy, of finding a friend to play with and make him 'Real'. So when he and his Boy become inseparable, playing together from dawn to dusk, the little rabbit thinks his heart will burst from happiness.
But when the pair are parted, will the Velveteen Rabbit's deepest wish ever come true?
What makes this edition stand out immediately are the illustrations. David Litchfield’s artwork is absolutely stunning. Each page feels cinematic, emotional and full of atmosphere. There is a softness to the illustrations that perfectly mirrors the tenderness of the story, while the use of light, shadow and colour adds a real sense of depth and feeling. You can almost feel the love between the child and the rabbit on the page. I could honestly sit and look at these images all day!
As a teacher, I’m always drawn to picture books that invite children to slow down, look closely and feel something - and this book does exactly that. The illustrations give children space to pause, reflect and notice small details, making it ideal for discussion. It’s the kind of book that encourages considered engagement, where children want to turn pages slowly rather than rush to the end.
Although this is a familiar story, this edition feels so fresh. It opens the door to conversations about emotions, attachment, empathy and change in a way that is natural and unforced. Older children will begin to grasp the deeper meanings, while younger readers will simply connect with the idea of loving something so much that it becomes special.
This new picture book edition of The Velveteen Rabbit is a beautiful blend of timeless storytelling and breath-taking illustrations. It feels like a book to treasure: one that will be read aloud, revisited and remembered. Whether you are sharing it at home, in a classroom or gifting it to someone special, it is a truly worthy addition to any bookshelf.
A classic story, reimagined with incredible care and artistry — and one I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Scholastic for gifting me this incredibly beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.
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