Module 8 - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

By: Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Summary

A little toy rabbit, a very conceited, porcelain toy rabbit, begins a journey that forever changes him. He is loved by one owner, a little girl named Abilene, and is lost. Edward Tulane then goes on adventure after adventure to learn the true value of being loved and accepted. Will he learn unconditional love and acceptance of others or will he be shattered forever?

Impressions:

I really enjoyed reading this book and from the first thought I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. But as I started to read I became entranced and couldn't stop. I kept on reading, wanting more, wanting to know what would happen to this strange glass bunny. He was such an interesting fellow and he needed to learn so, so much. The illustrator gave me just enough help with the pictures that I really understood the story better. I was so glad that the rabbit learned how to truly love his owner and realize his place.

Suggested Use in Library Setting:

This book would be a great book for a study on fantasy with 3rd/4th grade readers. I would love to read this story to them in 2 or 3 visits and discuss their thoughts about Edward and how he is treated and dealt with. I would then ask the children to write about their favorite stuffed animal/toy and give me their thoughts about their toy.

Reviews -

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6–Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, is the main character in this thoughtful tale by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2006). Edward is dearly loved by a young girl named Abilene. One day he is lost over the side of a boat. His journey leads him to a older couple who dress him like a girl rabbit, a hobo and his dog, a young girl and her brother and, finally, to a doll shop. Along the way, Edward learns to love the people he encounters. He also learns that family members can be cruel to one another; that hobos have family that they love dearly and don't want to forget; that no matter how much you love someone, she may still die; and that no matter what happens in life, never give up on love. Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey infuses each character that Edward encounters with a unique accent and aura, and accurately portrays their emotions. A beautifully crafted telling.–Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 2-4. As she did in her Newbery Medal Book, The Tale of Despereaux (2004), DiCamillo tucks important messages into this story and once more plumbs the mystery of the heart--or, in this case, the heartless. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with an extensive wardrobe. He belongs to 10-year-old Abilene, who thinks almost as highly of Edward as Edward does of himself. Even young children will soon realize that Edward is riding for a fall. And fall he does, into the sea, after mean boys rip him from Abilene's hands during an ocean voyage. Thus begins Edward's journey from watery grave to the gentle embrace of a fisherman's wife, to the care of a hobo and his dog, and into the hands of a dying girl. Then, pure meanness breaks Edward apart, and love and sacrifice put him back together--until just the right child finds him. With every person who taouches him, Edward's heart grows a little bit softer and a little bit bigger. Bruised and battered, Edward is at his most beautiful, and beautiful is a fine word to describe the artwork. Ibatoulline outdoes himself; his precisely rendered sepia-tone drawings and color plates of high artistic merit are an integral part of this handsomely designed package. Yet even standing alone, the story soars because of DiCamillo's lyrical use of language and her understanding of universal yearnings. This will be a pleasure to read aloud. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.