Becoming Real

For fans of Finding Winnie, a warm, lovingly detailed picture book that tells the true story of the beloved classic The Velveteen Rabbit and its creator, Margery Williams.The Velveteen Rabbit has been treasured by generations of readers. Here, for the first time, is the story of how this beloved character came to be.As a child, Margery Williams lost the father she adored and had to move to a city far away. She found solace visiting the animals in a wild and wonderful park near her new home, and in her toys—toys that became real to her. As an adult, she watched her children use their own imaginations to work through difficult times, and, inspired by their play, she wrote The Velveteen Rabbit.This gorgeously written and illustrated story of Margery’s life will resonate with anyone who’s ever wished their beloved toys would become real—and those who believe they already are.

Molly Golden is an educator who now enjoys writing books for children. As a young child, she was rarely seen without her favorite stuffed animal. Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit is her debut children’s book. She lives in Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family.  Paola Escobar is a graphic designer and illustrator from Colombia. As a child, she loved drawing the stories told by her grandmother, and it was her dream to become an illustrator for children’s books. Today, she is the illustrator of the award-winning Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré as well as many other critically acclaimed picture books. She is proud to have illustrated stories that celebrate cultural diversity and champion unsung heroes. Paola lives in Bogotá, Colombia, with her husband and their dog, Flora.