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Parents' Guide to

The Velveteen Rabbit

By Ashley Moulton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Magical, lyrical adaptation of classic tearjerker.

TV Apple TV+ Drama 2023
The Velveteen Rabbit TV: a stuffed animal rabbit stands in a forest

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Velveteen Rabbit TV: a stuffed animal bunny peeks out from a Christmas stocking
  • Velveteen Rabbit TV: William, a young white boy, imagines he's digging a tunnel with his rabbit friend
  • Velveteen Rabbit TV: William, a young white boy, plays with his stuffed animal rabbit outside

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

mlinds
mlinds Parent of 6 and 11-year-old
December 6, 2023
age 5+

Beautiful, important movie may be a new classic for the holidays.

This was a beautiful, sweet film that may become a traditional for our family. Our 6 and 10 year olds loved it, with the concept of a toy/stuffie being loved "real". If you don't know the story, there is a scary plotline about the boy having scarlet fever and almost dying... but oh, when the rabbit decides to be with the boy despite knowing it will die... this is an amazing moment of sacrifice! The ideas of love explored here are meaningful and important. The limited amount of CGI is so well-done and realistic that my younger one was like, "IS THIS REAL??" which is kind of an amazing question to ask. It has a slower, quieter pace and there's nothing scary here.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, a 7-year-old boy named William (Phoenix Laroche) moves and has a hard time making new friends. He receives a stuffed animal rabbit for Christmas, which becomes his best friend. They go on many imaginary adventures together. When William isn't around, the Velveteen Rabbit (Alex Lawther) comes alive and talks to the other toys in the house. From the Wise Horse (Helena Bonham Carter), the rabbit learns that when a child loves a toy, the toy becomes "real." William becomes severely ill with scarlet fever. The other toys warn the Velveteen Rabbit that he'll be burned to keep the disease from spreading, but the rabbit chooses to comfort William anyway. After William recovers, the Velveteen Rabbit is indeed placed on the burn pile. The Playroom Fairy saves the toy and grants his wish, making him into a real bunny. The real rabbit says one last goodbye to William, and William feels brave enough to make new friends.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This special exquisitely captures the tender moments between a boy and his beloved "stuffie." The Velveteen Rabbit is a beautiful meditation on children's imagination and wonder. In some ways, it will appeal to adults more than children. It's a British period drama, and is much more slow-paced and cinematic than a lot of kids' content. Adults will respond to the themes of lost childhood innocence, which will go over kids' heads. However, kids will really enjoy the magic of seeing the Velveteen Rabbit come alive and talk, and the validation of the strong bonds they form with that special stuffed friend. Adults and kids alike should be prepared to watch with a box of tissues, and to work through your sniffles together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about if they think stuffed animals can become "real" if they are loved enough. Even if they can't be "real," how are the toys you love important to you?

  • How did it make you feel to see the Velveteen Rabbit separated from William?

TV Details

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