Module 5: Science Fiction: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Summary: The story's namesake, Edward Tulane, is a toy rabbit who loves noone, or so he thinks. When he becomes separated from his owner he begins a journey that changes him forever.

Citation: DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge, Mass. : Candlewick Press.

My Thoughts: I very much enjoy stories of personal transformations, and to experience that through DiCamillo's masterful words was a real treat! Edward's amazing adventures are nothing short of miraculous, as it is whenever anyone learns to love. This book speaks to the little bit of Edward in all of us.

Reviews:

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 2)

Once again, DiCamillo harkens back to an older storytelling style, filled with magic and the transformational power of love. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit-dapper and serious and more than a little superior. His mistress, Abilene Tulane, loved him and "thought almost as highly of Edward as Edward thought of himself." Edward is interested in little beyond his own comfort and beauty. Indeed, everyone except for Abilene's grandmother, Pellegrina, condescends to him. She commissioned his making, ordered his dapper clothing and smart pocket watch and, in the end, demanded a good deal more of Edward than he thought he wanted to give. Her warning, "You disappoint me," thrusts Edward into the adventure that becomes his life. He learns about love, loss and consequences. Somewhere between fairy tale and fable, DiCamillo spins the tale of Edward, transformed by the lives he touches. The reader will be transformed too. Sumptuous gouache illustrations complement the old-fashioned, dramatic narrative. Keep the tissues handy for this one. 2006, Candlewick, 228p, $18.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 7 up. Starred Review. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sharon Williams (Library Media Connection, April/May 2006)

I have read hundreds of books and only a few have brought tears to my eyes. Edward, a quite handsome and rather self-centered china rabbit, is transformed through a journey across time and space that takes him far away from the lap of luxury and the arms of the girl who loves him to the bottom of the sea, to a lowly fisherman's hut, to a garbage dump, to a tramp's shoulder, to a dying girl's bed-side, to a broken heap on the sidewalk, to a doll doctor's shop, to-the miraculous conclusion. He doesn't become real in the literal sense like the Velveteen Rabbit, but Edward learns to love and by learning to love he becomes real in a spiritual sense that is eternal. Bagram Ibatoulline illustrates the book with exquisite color art plates that enhance the text and add depth and texture to the words. A DVD interview with Kate DiCamillo accompanies the book. If one can buy only one new children's book, this is the one. Highly Recommended. 2006, Candlewick Press, 228pp., $18.99 hc. Ages 5 to 12.

Suggested Uses: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane has so many adventures that it lends itself to a Reader's Theatre production. Students can either recreate Edward's experiences or write their own new adventures for him.