The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.  This book is the incredible story of Edward, a very selfish china rabbit who is deeply loved by a girl named Abilene.  One day, while traveling on a boat with Abilene and her family, Edward is lost at sea.  Edward then is taken an a remarkable journey of discovery and he learns how important love is and the need for love in our lives.  One statement in the book really sums up the whole theme of this book": "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." (p. 199)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane could be classified as historical fiction.  The settings throughout the book take place over several years during the early to mid 1900’s.  According to the textbook, Literature and the Child, on page 17, it explains that historical fiction tells a story set in the past; it portrays events that did or could definitely occur.  The illustrations in this book, though there are very few of them, are very detailed paintings.  The illustrator really took time to get the details correct in every illustration within this book. 

This book is recommended for students ages 7-10 years old.  I would agree with this recommendation, although I do believe students older than 10 would really enjoy reading this remarkable story and would learn a lot through the journey of Edward.  The story line is very easy to follow and the chapters are very short so struggling readers would feel great accomplishment after finishing each chapter.

I think this book would be great to include in a unit study on love, maybe during Valentines Day.  Some activities to include when using this book within your classroom could be:

1.  Have each student choose a different character, major or minor, and draw his or her portrait. The cast of characters should include everyone from Edward to the crows in the garden. Label each drawing with a paragraph describing the character and his or her relationship to Edward.

2.  Throughout Edward’s journey, there are folks who are kind to Edward, some who love him, some who are indifferent, and others who are downright cruel. Make a chart of these characters and discuss their differences.

3.  Throughout his journey, Edward Tulane yearns to go home, which he considers to be Egypt Street. And yet he spends many happy years with people who take him in and give him new homes. Make a list of things that mean home to you.

READER RESPONSE QUESTIONS:
1.  Why does Pellegrina tell the story about a princess who loves no one and is turned into a warthog by a witch to Abilene and Edward?

2.  What are some of the life lessons Edward learns on his journey, through good times and bad?

3.  How and why do all adults (except Abilene’s sharp-eyed grandmother, Pellegrina) condescend, or talk down, to Edward?

4.  Is there a difference between the love Edward receives from Abilene at the beginning of the book and the love he receives from Sarah Ruth?

REFERENCES:
Candlewick Press Teachers Guide on The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  Retrieved from http://www.edwardtulane.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Yny-zUwaGF0%3d&tabid=76

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of edward tulane. (1st ed.). Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2011). Literature and the child. (7th ed. ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth Pub Co.