When Toys Become Real

In the play, The Velveteen Rabbit, the toys have a life of their own.  What would happen if your toys came to life?  Would the toy soldiers, teddy bears and porcelain dolls get along? What would your favorite stuffed animal do?  It is a delightful and magical concept.

Here are some other stories where toys become real:  

1. Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
Lumphy is a stuffed buffalo. StingRay is a stuffed stingray. And Plastic... well, Plastic isn't quite sure what she is. They all belong to the Little Girl who lives on the high bed with the fluffy pillows.  Together is best for these three best friends. Together they look things up in the dictionary, explore the basement, and argue about the meaning of life. And together they face dogs, school, television commercials, the vastness of the sea and the terrifying bigness of the washing machine.  Get it at Changing Hands Bookstore here.

2.  Phewtus the Squirrel by V. H. Drumond
Phewtus is a knitted squirrel and Julian's favorite toy; the other toy animals are not jealous. But nursery harmony is disrupted when a large parcel arrives for Julian. Inside is a huge dressed rabbit named Ralph, the "most conceited toy that had ever been made.'' Ralph immediately decides to dethrone Phewtus, and pushes the squirrel out of the carriage during an afternoon walk. Furtail, a park squirrel, offers to turn Phewtus into a "real'' squirrel. At first Phewtus is delighted; he can run and jump. But the feeling of freedom doesn't last. V. H. Drummond's endearing story is a classic in Great Britain, where it was published fifty years ago. Get it at Amazon here.

3.  Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni

Everyone loves Willy the wind-up mouse, while Alexander the real mouse is chased away with brooms and mousetraps. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be loved and cuddled, thinks Alexander, and he wishes he could be a wind-up mouse too. In this gentle fable about a real mouse and a mechanical mouse, Leo Lionni explores the magic of friendship. Get it at Changing Hands Bookstore here.  

4.  The Toy Farmer by Andrew Pelletier

In the attic, Jed finds an old toy tractor with a miniature farmer in the driver’s seat. It seems just like any other toy—but then amazing things happen. First, Jed’s bedroom carpet begins to sprout tiny green shoots. Then a pumpkin appears on a vine. It grows and GROWS, until it is big enough to win first prize at the county fair. When Jed returns home with his ribbon, the mysterious farmer is a toy once again . . . or is it? Scott Nash’s inventive art, complete with vintage toys, adds a nostalgic feel to the magic. Get it at Changing Hands Bookstore here.  

5. Orson by Rascal
Orson, the biggest, strongest bear in all the forest, has no friends or playmates because all the other animals are afraid of him. Orson is sad, lonely, and more than a little embittered by the rejection until a teddy bear enters his life. Then, Orson discovers a whole new side of himself-tender, loving and nurturing-and the magic of his love creates a miracle. This high quality, beautifully illustrated book will appeal to every child who has ever loved a teddy bear.Get it at Barnes and Noble here.