The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Book Review

Book Title: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline

Publish Date: 2007
Publisher: Candlewick Press

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Suggested Grade: 3rd, 4th, 5th grade

Suggested Format: Independent reading

Synopsis: 
Edward Toulane is a very vain china rabbit, with no thought for anyone or anything but himself. He is given the best of everything, and has no reason to change his thinking until one day when he is lost over the side of a boat and sinks to the ocean floor. Feeling an emotion other than pride and smugness for the first time in his life, Edward is afraid. He is found by a fisherman, and finally begins to feel something for people, when he is discarded by another. This book chronicles his tragic and wonderful travels as he journeys through love, pain, fear, and sadness to discover what it truly means to be.

Teacher's Notes: 
This book is beautifully illustrated, and will catch the eye of even some of the more reluctant readers in your classroom. It is a very sad book, with many emotional journeys. As an adult, I cried when I read the book. I would suggest that 3rd grade teachers and parents consider their individual child before selecting this book for them, as it can come across as a bit depressing, although it details a very realistic emotional journey through life.

Overall: 9/10

How I Got the Book: Purchased for my classroom

Suggested Interests: Fiction, Toys