The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Title Information
The Velveteen Rabbit re-tells the story of Pinnochio from a different angle: Pinnochio was the toy who became real through deeds of courage.  The Velveteen Rabbit becomes real through the love of a little boy.
 
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

Format: Sony Reader