I love a good children’s book. I mean, I *love* a good children’s book. (We’re planning a post to share some of our favorites with you soon, so stay tuned for that.)

Just as much as I love a good children’s book, I love good music made from a good children’s book.

Let me introduce you to my new friend Hope Kemp. 

Hope is a talented singer and songwriter who put her music career on the back burner as she stayed at home to raise and homeschool her kids. However, she never stopped working on her craft. Now that her kids are grown, she’s on the music scene again in a surprising and delightful new way.

Hope’s daughter suggested she make a concept album to help her break back into the music world, and that is exactly what she did. Taking the beloved children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit as her starting place, she crafted and compiled a collection of original songs that complement the touching story beautifully. The songs stand alone, but together with the story, they provide a rich emotional journey. (One song had me weeping by the end. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

If you’re a lover of The Velveteen Rabbit, or if you have kids who love good stories, or if you just love good books and music yourself, then check out Hoping for Real. Hope’s got soul, and I love her.

You can find Hoping for Real: Songs Inspired by the Velveteen Rabbit on iTunes or Spotify. 

If you’d like to know more about Hope, check out this great interview by UTR media.

*Our Favorite Things are simply that. We receive nothing in return for sharing them with you except the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve connected other parents with something we’ve found encouraging.