I just put this book down. It was absolutely beautiful.
I warn you, though, this story is probably not for the sensitive (as demonstrated by the negative responses). Still, I think this is an important story for the overindulged, entitled generations that we are raising. It is about love, and appreciation, and loss, and need. The characters are very real and have qualities in people that we all know.

I loved this book. It was so moving and I would highly recommend it.

I love this book, and highly recommend it as a read aloud book for schools, libraries and bedtime. But as I mention in my review at TheDollBlog.com, please be sensitive to the child who has recently lost a doll.
As any parent can attest, The Lost Doll or lovey is a serious emotional event in any child's life, and as wonderful a book as this is, (and it truly is a modern classic), no need to add to your child's distress.
PS: This beautiful book belongs on every doll lover's bookshelf as well!
*** Spoiler Alert *** (if you haven't read the book stop here)
Add to that the fact that the Doll returns, (albeit twenty years later) and you could raise false hopes in your child as well.

This book is truly my favorite book. It can be interpreted as a version of the Velveteen Rabbit, but I see it as much, much more. Edward is a china rabbit who is thrown of a boat and into the ocean. He is rescued, but soon he finds himself in the garbage. Everytime he is rescued, he is lost once again untill a true miracle happens. This book sad, sweet, moving. I really enjoyed it!

I wanted to like this book. I truly did. I love Kate DiCamillo, and there is something so precious about a selfish little rabbit doll. And I do appreciate what DiCamillo wanted to do with this story.

The only problem is that this came out as rather, well, dark and depressing and I just don't know how comfortable I am reading this to small children. There is absolutely no happiness in this book whatsoever until one finally reaches the bittersweet ending. Maybe I'm just this person in lala land who likes happy stories, but I found this too harsh for its intended age group. Heck, even I was depressed after reading it.

Still, DiCamillo is a fantastic writer and the story goes along in a very intelligent manner with fascinating characters.

So... if a kid can put up with a dark fairy tale, this is probably worth a read.

This is a great story about a porcelain rabbit who doesn't move but thinks deeply about his surroundings which are constantly changing. During his "travels" he meets many different people, including a vagabond and his dog, a fisherman, and a little boy whose sister is very ill. There is a very surprising and memorable ending, but you have to read the book to discover it.