The Velveteen Rabbit (or How Toys Become Real ) is a British children's book written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit's desire to become real through the love of his owner. The story was first published in Harper's Bazaar in 1921 and has been republished many times since. The Velveteen Rabbit was given the International Literacy Association's Children's Book Council (United States) Children's Choice award. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association voted the book #28 on the "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children." Although the story is simple, its message is memorable and powerful: It is love that makes our lives meaningful and worthwhile. This edition is a replica of the original, including the color illustrations, and is printed on acid-free, archival-quality paper in a case-laminate binding for long life and durability.