The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Kate Dicamillo

“Open your heart. Someone will come. Someone will come for you. But first you must open your heart.” 

I am familiar with Kate Dicamillo’s work but never put aside the time to actually read anything. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is on Time’s Best 100 YA list for a good reason, it is quaint, emotional, and so cute. If you have not read this adorable book please make time to do so.

Edward is a fragile dapper china rabbit doll. His best friend named Abilene dresses him in different outfits, one being silk pajamas. He enjoying his posh life when it is announced his family will be going to London. While on the boat, he is tossed into the ocean during a game of keep away. Thus Edward Tulane’s journey begins.

Edward is caught by a fisherman, dressed in gowns, spends some time with a homeless man and his dog, turned into a scarecrow, and then has his head shattered. Grim, I know. Edward is repaired by a china doll shop keeper. Once healed Edward sits on a shelf next to other china dolls awaiting his next owner to walk through the door. Through Edward’s travels, he learns about true love and friendship. Ultimately, Edward’s story has a beyond perfect ending that will warm your heart. 

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a cute story. Younger readers might shed a fear tears, but overall it is a quick and sweet tale. As an older reader, I smiled at a few lines and was pulled into Edwards’s journey. Mainly because he is a china rabbit, it seemed like a matter of time before he had an accident. If you have not read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, you need too!

I recommend The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane for all ages, but mainly younger readers. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane would fit nicely with older children lit books that read slightly more like a classic than a modern storybook. I am excited to read more of Kate Dicamillo books–a few others appear on Time’s Best 100 YA List.

Have you read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane? Do you read children lit?

You can snag a copy from your local library or Amazon.

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