The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Kate DiCamillo, author
Bagram Ibatoulline, illustrator
2009
I've loved everything I've ever read by Kate DiCamillo, and Edward Tulane is no exception. This story is beautiful and poignant. Her prose is pitch perfect in this story about a proud china rabbit named Edward who learns what it means to love and lose and love again. It's the Velveteen Rabbit for contemporary children, but a completely original story at the same time. (No doubt, the main connection to the Velveteen Rabbit lies in its central character being, well, a rabbit, coupled with the overall poignant tone of the book; the plots are completely different.)
This is a book to read together with a child, savoring the gorgeous illustrations and traveling with Edward Tulane on his truly miraculous journey.
Recommended read aloud to elementary (to fully appreciate this story, kids need to be able to think/feel with the character and appreciate the bittersweet experiences)
I was introduced a few years ago to DiCamillo's work, and this is by far my favorite! My hubby's even begun reading it. :)
ReplyDeleteI heartily concur! I do admire DiCamillo's work, but this one made me cry blissfully at the end. I'd like to read it again...
ReplyDeleteIf I was feeling more profound today (very tired right now), I'd have said something about the nature of love and sacrifice that's present in this book.... I don't want to share it too early with my kids. I think my oldest will be ready for it soonish... sniff, sniff.
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