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.

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
By Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by K.G. Campbell
Published by Candlewick Press 2013

Newberry Medal Winner 2014

Kate DiCamillo is one of my all time favorite children's authors. With all her awards, many would find it hard to disagree that she is one of the best. If you aren't familiar with Kate check out her website to learn more!

If you want a good laugh for both you and your students, Flora and Ulysses is the book for you.  Flora and Ulysses tell the wild adventure of a squirrel with magical powers and his cynical friend Flora Belle Buckman. Flora befriends the poor squirrel who is vacuumed up by her neighbor, Mrs. Tickham’s powerful vacuum. She names him Ulysses, after the multi-terrain vacuum that sucked him up. Flora’s mother, an avid writer, is not pleased with having a squirrel in the house, but Flora claims that Ulysses is a super hero and her friend. Flora’s mother does not believe and plans to kill the squirrel. Mrs. Tickman believes Flora and tries to help her. Mrs. Tickman’s great nephew, a young man Flora’s age, joins the fun and develops feelings for Flora. Flora initially despises him, but soon grows to appreciate his presence. Flora’s father supports his daughter and her superhero-squirrel friend. The three of them go on a wild adventure that includes a diner disaster and a run in with a special cat and so –called “Dr.” Meescham. Throughout the novel, Flora joins forces with Ulysses to conquer evil. The two develop a strong friendship and defy odds to remain together even after Flora’s mother kidnaps Ulysses and tries to kill him with a shovel. After all the commotion and evil-fighting, all come to see Ulysses as a superhero who manages to bring all of Flora’s loved ones into her life again. He also manages to turn her from a cynic to one who sees love in the world.

The novel also contains black and white pictures, and reads like a graphic novel in some places. The illustrations greatly enhance the writing and make the story come alive in your mind. It would also be beneficial for visual learners. This novel would be a great read aloud for a young classroom, or could be a great classroom book for a unit study. I could easily read this book over and over and I would still laugh each time. 

For more resources check out the Flora and Ulysses Website here!

DiCamillo, K., & Campbell, K. G. (2013). Flora & Ulysses: The illuminated adventures.