The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
I’ve just read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. My first introduction to DiCamillo was just one short month ago when I read Because of Winn-Dixie which I enjoyed very much. After reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, I do what I have now started to do, browse through other book blogger’s reviews. It sound like this was one book that either you loved, you hated with a passion, or were just lukewarm. For me, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was wonderful. I’m not one to usually read books about china rabbits. But then again, how many books are there about china rabbits?
Briefly stated, Edward is a very self-absorbed rabbit who is quite infatuated with himself. He cares for nothing and no one but himself. He is very loved by Abilene, who dots on him endlessly. Soon things change when he is accidentally falls overboard a ship. What to do? What to do? He can do nothing but wait and hope that he is found. And he is.
Over the next 10-15 years he is cared for by a old fisherman and his wife who treat them just like their own child (but as a girl!). But he feels very grateful; a feeling that he’s never experienced before. He then pairs up with a old tramp and his dog whom he begins to feel very fond of. Afterwards, he becomes the favorite doll of a dying little girl and he begins to feel empathy as he witnesses her slow decline. He finds himself actually caring for this small child. After her passing, he is repaired (after all, he’s looking quite raggedy by now) by a doll maker and waits for years to be purchased. During this time, he thinks of all the wonderful people he’s been with. Of all the love that he’s experienced. Of how once he was lost and finally he was found. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a cute story about love, loss, and coming full circle.
The allegory of Christ’s resurrection in this story wasn’t lost on me, and if you’d like to delve deeper into that area I’ll point you over to One Minute Book Reviews where Janice Harayda has an excellent post discussing just that.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book was the quality with which it was rendered. The illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline were excellent, both the pencil drawings and full color. I haven’t read a book like this for so long that I eagerly anticipated the next illustration.
I enjoyed the pencil drawings even more, you’ll have to check them out. Visit the website for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane or Kate DiCamillo’s website. This one is worth checking out if you haven’t done so yet.
I told you in another comment that I listened to this book (with college students in a car) and thought it was “just okay”. You mentioned the fantastic pictures - I have to agree that the pictures could have made this tale more “real” for me/us.
on April 17th, 2008 at 5:02 amHi, Natasha,
Thanks for noticing my post. One of the fascinating things about “Edward Tulane” is that, in some ways, readers were ahead of the critics and librarians on this book.
I didn’t see one review (for the print media) that mentioned the Resurrection allegory — that aspect was just ignored. But a lot of readers, like you, “got” it right away.
To me this is one of the great things about the rise of the blogosphere. You can get so many perspectives besides those of professional critics. I enjoyed reading yours.
on April 17th, 2008 at 6:21 amJan
This book is on my TBR list and reading your review has made me want to move it up closer to the top! Thanks!
on April 17th, 2008 at 8:35 amOMG I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book!!! I teach third grade and read it each year to the kids…it is by FAR their favorite book every year. They keep talking about it long after it’s over. LOVE IT!!!
on April 17th, 2008 at 9:47 amI’m so glad that you liked this book! It’s my favorite DiCamillo after Despereaux. Such a beautiful story and as you mentioned the illustrations are just gorgeous. If I didn’t respect books so much, I would’ve cut them out and framed them! I love the way that DiCamillo is not afraid to tackle controversial subjects, but does so in such a graceful manner. I recommend this one to everyone!
on April 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pmI’ve seen this book many times and have always found the drawings beautiful. I will have to check this out.
on April 17th, 2008 at 6:29 pm[…] reviews The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate […]
on April 18th, 2008 at 8:01 amThe picture of the crucified bunny is disturbing.
I clicked on this - The name Tulane attracted me. I work at Tulane University in New Orleans.
on April 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pmI still haven’t read this one yet, but you’re right: some people really hated it. I think a book that can provoke such a strong reaction must have something going for it.
on April 19th, 2008 at 7:57 amNatasha, I’ve read all of Kate’s books and reviewed them at my site. Here’s the one of Edward Tulane. I got the Christian symbolism, too, and appreciated it.
http://www.girldetective.net/?p=636
My favorite of her books is The Tiger Rising. She and I used to work together, and she says that one is usually the favorite of writers.
My two little ones love her Mercy Watson books.
on April 19th, 2008 at 8:37 amSomeone gave this book to my mum for Christmas, and she LOVED it. I’ve been meaning to get it from her and read it — maybe I’ll do that when I go home today!
on April 19th, 2008 at 12:58 pmJoy - Definitely one of those ones that just feels special when you hold it in your hands.
Janice - Well, I do have to admit that I did skim through your review prior to reading the book so I did have a little help! But I don’t know how anybody can see the bunny on a cross picture and not wonder about the symbolism. I’ve been enjoying your blog!
Jeanette - It’s a easy read. Can finish in one or two very easy sittings.
Janelle - I’m glad to hear that the kids aren’t opposed to china rabbit stories! Even the boys?
Chris - I just finished Despereaux after I read this one and now I think I like that one even more! I’ve just discovered DiCamillo this year and it’s been a real pleasure.
Stephanie - The illustrations is what drew me to this book. Beautiful. I thought the pencil drawings I didn’t show were even better.
Kathy - Yes, the bunny on the cross is odd. Great for the story though!
Girl Detective - I’m putting The Tiger Rising on hold right now!
on April 19th, 2008 at 1:03 pmGirl Detective - I wanted to comment on your Edward Tulane post but couldn’t. Beautiful review! You just say it so much better than I do.
on April 19th, 2008 at 1:06 pmI was so scared to read this. I thought I would end up crying and crying and crying. So I stayed away. *Tarie is sensitive and scared.* Your comments about the illustrations have me intrigued though!
on April 20th, 2008 at 5:03 am*sigh* this has been on my wish list for far too long! Love the illos !! I’ve got to move this up to “the next order from Amazon”!
on April 27th, 2008 at 4:48 amYou just gave me yet another book to add to my TBR pile, lol!
on April 27th, 2008 at 5:00 amYou’ll have to check out my blog and comments…I actually just discovered your blog by googling for pictures to go with my comments on Kate’s books. I too am a third grade teacher….I like your blog! I am so glad that I discovered you. Thanks for your comments…I am anxious to check out the allegory comments at One min. reviews…Thanks for your great review!!
on June 10th, 2008 at 7:02 pm