The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Published by Candlewick Press 2006

short chapter book for ages 7-10 (200 pages)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows the adventure of a prideful china rabbit named Edward who lives with a young girl named Abilene on Egypt street. He is always dressed to the nines and treated as one of the family. Eventually, on Abilene’s family trip to England, Edward flies overboard only to be picked up by a fisherman named Lawrence. Lawrence’s wife Nellie befriends Edward, and takes care of him. Lolly, Lawrence and Nellie’s daughter, throws him into the garbage. Bull, a rail rider, and his dog Lucy find Edward and carry him along with them as they travel. Later, he is thrown off of the train and found by a young boy named Bryce. Bryce brings Edward to comfort his young sister, Sarah Ruth, who is ill. After Sarah Ruth passes away, Bryce runs away and brings Edward with him. Edward is involved in an accident that breaks him to pieces. Bryce cannot afford to pay the doll maker to fix him so the doll maker keeps Edward and mends him back together. He remains on the shelf for several years before Abilene’s daughter picks him out at the store. The story comes full-circle on one very miraculous journey.

      I would highly recommend this novel for either a read aloud or literature circle. Throughout the novel, detailed pencil illustrations enhance the story and set the context for the chapter. Check out the website for more information!

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