Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Book 29 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 1 of 5 for the Once Upon a Time Challenge

Awards: Christopher Award; Boston Globe/Horn Book Award/Honors; SLJ Best Book; Publishers Weekly Best Book; Booklist Editors' Choice; Quill Book Awards; Parenting Magazine Award; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold/Platinum Award; ALA Notable/Best Books

rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, but this one is my favorite Kate DiCamillo so far.  

Edward Tulane is a china rabbit that lives in the home of Abilene Tulane.  When Edward is lost at sea, he begins a long journey through grief, despair, poverty, and abuse.  But through it all, Edward learns about love--what it means to be loved, and what it means to feel and give love.  

This is a beautiful and moving book with gorgeous illustrations and sparse prose that packs a punch. I think this book would make a great Easter read with a feeling akin to The Velveteen Rabbit.  I'm looking forward to reading this aloud with my older kids in the coming weeks.  I would recommend it for kids starting around age 7 because of the darker themes.  But, it is a wonderfully crafted tale of redemption and hope for all of us.

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12 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Great review. I don't read much children's literature so I had no idea Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux were written by the same author.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I LOVED this book so much. Read it in 2008.

Tasha said...

I've read this and Despereaux, and I found both really creepy. There's a darkness to DiCamillo's writing that I find unsettling.

Carl V. Anderson said...

This is such an amazing book. I love Despereaux as well but I think this might be my favorite. It is so moving. I cried quite a bit in my reading of it, a fact that I couldnt' help but mentioned back when I reviewed it. I'm not sure how children would receive it, but for an adult it is one powerful book!

Tricia said...

Yes, I will be interested to see what my kids think. I definitely cried though.

Ladytink_534 said...

Reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit and Hitty: Her First 100 Years. I've only read Because of Winn-Dixie but I liked it a lot so I may pick this one up.

Thoughts of Joy said...

I'm in the minority with this one - I thought it was just okay. I enjoyed The Tale of Despereaux much more. I'm glad it was such a hit for you!

maggie moran said...

Oh, My! You really had to go back in time to find my booktalk! I think I wrote it in 2006?!? Thanks so much for the shout out. I consider it a hidden golden egg of an Easter story. :D

Tricia said...

Maggie: The search box I created at the top left of my blog does all the work. :)

DesLily said...

I loved this book... and you are right it has fabulous illustrations in it!

Anna said...

Glad to hear this one is good. My daughter and I loved Desperaux, and we have this one on the coffee table waiting to be read.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how well-chosen words and fantastic illustrations can tell a story so beautifully. I enjoyed your review!