The Velveteen Principles: A Guide to Becoming Real; Hidden Wisdom from a Children's Classic

by Toni Raiten-D'Antonio

Who wouldn’t want to go back to when life was simple and a stuffed animal could fix all your problems?
Botox parties. Extreme Makeovers. “Reality” TV. These are just some examples of how we have lost sight of something so basic yet so essential to true On our way to becoming status-seeking super-humans, we forgot how to be Real.

This charming gift book guides readers down a simple path to reclaiming joy, fulfillment and individuality, using an unconventional source—the children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit . By sharing the timeless insights and poignant quotes from the popular children’s book, the author identifies 10 keys to becoming Real, with the promise that when you become Real you will love and be loved with all your strengths, weakness, faults and gifts. As the Skin Horse explains to the Velveteen

“Real isn’t how you are made . . . It’s a thing that happens to you. . . . Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes droop and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But those things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

Destined to be a classic in its own right, The Velveteen Principles delivers a simple yet profound message for the ages.

Key Features

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Psychology, Inspirational, Spirituality, Books About Books

200 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Toni Raiten-D'Antonio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Reviews

[Douglas Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite sounding like an exercise in schmaltz, this turns out to be a surprisingly good exploration of how meaning and principles can guide one's life and work. Psychotherapist Raiten-D'Antonio bases her explorations on the wisdom of Margery Williams's classic The Velveteen Rabbit. The author encourages readers to "become Real" like the rabbit and the skin horse by rejecting the superficiality and surface beauty so prevalent in the "Generic State of America." Her work as a therapist informs and deepens her comprehension that becoming Real is the "purpose of every kind of psychotherapy." Twelve principles (e.g., be generous, careful, empathetic, grateful, and ethical) are explored, and though the basic message is not new, the book's clarity and readability more than compensate.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real is everything that Hollywood isn't. Dirty, honest, accepting, imperfect. Reading this book made me want to read the Velveteen Rabbit as I'm not sure I've ever read it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the author, Toni Raiten-D'Antonio, uses the story of the Velveteen Rabbit to teach us twelve principles. These principles or ideas will help us become real just like the beloved rabbit in the story book. She has some wonderful ideas and thoughts that can be of great help to anyone struggling to know who they are or just struggling to be more true to themself. In this year I have been striving to live in joy and I have discovered that the more true to myself I am the more joy there is to be found and shared. If you are seeking joy or striving to be more real then you really must read this book. For more information and to speak with the author please visit her website, www.velveteenprinciples.com. I also highly recommend reading the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. It is one of my childhood favorites. I have made a point of making sure every niece and nephew receives a copy. It is a beautiful story.

[Rohani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Velveteen Principles" is actually a self-help book inspired from the popular children's classic by Margery Williams, "The Velveteen Rabbit", a book I hold very dear. Which is one of the reasons why I bought this book in the first place, I was very intrigued by the title (stumbled upon this online by accident). Now I don't normally read self-help books, but I guess it is very fitting to read this at the start of the new year, so I'm happy this was my first read of 2017. There's a lot of really great advice and life lessons here, especially in times like now where we place so much importance in material things (or "Objects", as Raiten-D'Antonio puts it) rather than value who we are as individuals. It's very inspiring, I highly recommend it!

[Eliza Fayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who does not know and love the children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams? It is certainly a book I read to my children and I will definitely be reading it to my grandchildren when they come along. Toni was so inspired by the words of wisdom found in this book that she wrote an entire book on becoming real, just like the Velveteen Rabbit did.

She did an absolutely brilliant job! If you are on your own journey to Real, The Velveteen Principles is an excellent road map.

To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book in New York over a year ago. My daughter loves the story of the Velveteen Rabbit. She too how a "lovie" that is quite "real". I have read the story so many times that this book really caught my eye. I have truly enjoyed the authors insight and I loved being able to read this story to my daughter again and again and find "real" meaning in it for me.

For anyone who feels a bit lost at times and has a great love for children's books.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, you need to re-read the original Velveteen Rabbit. The author does use quotes from the story to illustrate the points she wants to make in each chapter however reading the Velveteen Rabbit in its entirety will help with a reader's knowledge and perspective. Ultimately Raiten-D'Antonio is talking about being real, authentic, our true selves. She points out and discusses those things which get in our way and also what will help us achieve authenticity. Food for thought as well as action.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wise little book seems especially timley right now, with the economic fallout causing many people to re-evaluate their priorities and shift attention back to people and relationships versus things. It's not only a feel-good read. It's a useful reminder of what's really important in life and where true happiness comes from.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable. The only "self help book I have ever gotten completely through. Short and to the point it is a good, quick read that gives you a little to think about in your day to day handling of life. If you understand what "agreements" are from the first chapter or two of "The Four Agreements" (That is as fas as I got in that particular book)then this book makes even more sense.

[Jeannene Simonton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reminders for all of us. She describes living as "REAL" as "the living in the moment with the deepest respect for yourself and for others. It is a way of thinking that allows us to express ourselves and experience life--including its stress, conflicts, sorrows and losses--with grace, kindness and integrity."

[Jill Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many years ago my Mom gave me this book and I found it to be a little treasure. I adore the classic children's book, The Velveteen Rabbit and its moral about being and becoming Real. The Velveteen Principles is a further study into the book and its moral. Additionally, it's a nice "refresher"course in authenticity and the pursuit of joy.

[Kyriss Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved the Velveteen Rabbit as a child you won't be able to put this down. The adult version of the Velveteen Rabbit on how to become "real" and true to yourself. A great gift for any graduate or friend who may need a pick me up.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have recently begun utilizing this book in my counseling sessions with clients. Before reading this book, I never realized how many of life's lessons are presented in The Velveteen Rabbit. I especially enjoy the sections on becoming real.

[Beth Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sitting on my sister-in-law's coffee table and I picked it up and just started reading it. It took just a few hours to read but here, weeks later, I am still pondering some of the insights from this book. I think EVERYONE should read it!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Velveteen Rabbit" has always been one of my favorite stories. The priest who married us used the tale in his homily that day. When my daughter recommended this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. A warming review of the concepts in the 'rabbit' book, I recommend it to all.

[mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book, but by the end I got really tired of seeing the word "Real" . The concepts are great though and I totally agree with the principles set forth.

[Marka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by anyone who cares or wants to care about themself. I think it's one of those "important books".

[Ana]

I need all the self-help I can get. :)

[Laura Casper · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love this, its a must read. Wisdom always starts and ends with children.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read about being real, loving ourselves and others for who we are as we are.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring book that reveals the life-changing principles we can gleen from the beloved story of the Velveteen Rabbit. This book was given to me as a gift.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great analogy from a Great classic !

A little more about it here

[Judy Lund]

This is a great book to help you really know who you are, how you got there and where you are heading.

[Jen Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun self-help book! :)

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read! It is about learning to be truly ourselves, and not a version of something we think we are supposed to be. A guide to being....Real.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I hope we all know, but that I need reminded of, and in a package that is original and nostalgic.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a break down on how to live simply.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the children's book The Veveteen Rabbit the author helps th ereader see what being "real" is about. A guide to living a happeir more fulfilling life.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that helps connect you to your "REAL" self. A good bedside book, that you can just pickup whenever you need some wisdom and comfort.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book with lots of things to think about it - based on the children's book which I love...