After reading this book to my 7 year old boy, I read many of the reviews because I wondered what others thought of such a book. Readers either loved it or hated it, although the majority loved it. My son brought the book home from school for me to read to him because he thought it was something that I might like in spite of a warning from the librarian that it may not be appropriate. He was right I did like it. I started reading it to him and did not stop because I wanted to know what happened next. It was a bit sad at times, for my son especially. However, the story was interesting enough that we did not put it down. I would recommend this book with some caveats, it must be read in at least three or four sittings, it is probably better for older kids who are beginning to understand that not all books are about sunshine and happiness, and most important of all, don't read too much between the lines. You don't need to tell your child that the old lady is crucifying the rabbit but rather she is using what she can for a scarecrow. A number of reviewers thought that the nailing up of the rabbit on a cross was his crucifixtion. As an aethiest with a child who does not know the story of Jesus' death, my child had a different take; a toy rabbit was being used as a scarecrow and he does not scare the crows. Scarecrows only work when they look human and Edward is not a person, he is a toy rabbit so he doesn't work...yes I do get the part about him being saved...but from my son's perspective he was saved by a boy who wanted to make his sister feel better...an honourable thing to do. We are warned that she is going to die. I also wonder why so many people saw the dark side of the father....he was sad about his daughter dying (he cried) and he may not have come home because of many reasons...although many critics have him as an alcoholic...this story was set in the depression (the Queen Mary was built in 1929) and jobs and money were hard to come by and life was tough. Even Lolly could have been a daughter who had suffered too long from her mother's sadness and needed to make sure her parents were not seen as crazy by the community. Definitely a book that makes you think and can give you a chance to discuss some of the sad realities of life with your child. Some of the best books we will ever read are sad and this is book is no exception.

I just finished reading this book to my 10 year old. I think it is an amazing, once in a hundred years kind of book. It is touching, honest and thought provoking. As an adult, you'll have to read it more than once to unfurl the layers and interpret the underlying meanings. Older children will pick up on the allegorical nature of the story, while younger children may be frightened by the sometimes harsh circumstances of Edward's life. I believe this book is ideal for children from 4th grade up. It should also be required reading for middle and high school English students as an fine example of the use of personification, metaphor and parable. Beautiful. Gives me the chills just thinking about it. I will read it again.

Lessons my daughter has learned from Edward Tulane:

Little children can cough and cough so hard that they cough up blood.

Little children can die from coughing.

It's okay to run away from home.

There are mean, mean adult people out there who crush dolls or throw them in trash heaps or smash them; who hit their children and tell them they are going to die; who throw homeless people from trains and kick dogs; who ridicule their elderly parents or refuse to let children keep a beloved toy.

The adults who do these things never ever get punished for their actions. Nothing bad happens to them at all; they just walk away scot-free.

Bad things happen, over and over again, especially to those who are young, good, and innocent; that's just how life is. Even when you are loved.

If someone tries to cheer you up or give you hope, just ignore them and they will go away.

If someone tells you that you should just end your life, you should consider it.

Since Edward is "just a toy", you don't have to feel bad for him. He's helpless. These awful things are bound to happen to those that are helpless. Like toys. Or forests. Or animals. Or children.

It's okay to be abused and miserable and pathetic and defeatist in this life because after you die it's all so lovely. You don't really need to even try to change your attitude. In the end, it won't matter how you lived.

Don't waste your time hoping for love because no one will love you until you're dead.

It's okay if you never try. It's okay if all you ever are is a victim.

Because the good news is: maybe, just maybe, in the end (whether that be the literal end of the story, or the obvious metaphorical end of life), all the torture and pain and despair and hopelessness MIGHT end well. And everything that happened won't matter. In fact, it never did. All that matters is the ending.

These are not the lessons I want my child to learn, from this or any other book. It is reminiscent of the old Grimm fairy tales; the old Christian tales of the bad things that happen to naughty little girls and boys; the violent and disturbing old `children's' cartoons like Tom & Jerry, and Road Runner.
If I want to teach my children perseverance, I will read them Little House on the Prairie.
If I want to tell them the adventures of inanimate objects without cruelty and despair (in other words, the challenges life gives us) I will read them Hitty; Her First Hundred Years.
If I want them to learn about love, I will read them hundreds of other stories that are positive and hopeful throughout: let's start with The Velveteen Rabbit. Maybe Edward should read the Velveteen Rabbit himself.

This book was wonderful, tragic, sweet, and funny. My daughter and I read it together and loved every minute of it. The writing is fabulous and the illustrations are just so sweet. My daughter and I bawled at the completion of the book. It will be a book/memory we will always cherish.

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.

I am a teacher. I purchased this book to add to my library of books for the students use but I am now rethinking my decision. I absolutely adore this book, it's well written and incredibly smart for the age level. I could see the writing style encouraging students to use advanced vocabulary in their own writing. I do think, however, that this book should not be given to students of this age level without a disclaimer. Many students of this age are accustomed to happy go lucky stories and this is not one of them-at almost every turn of the page, the protagonist feels defeated. I would not want my students to dislike this story simply because it is not what they expected. I've had this happen with other stories. Just a thought.

Edward Tulane is very proud of himself and quite arrogant. He owns a small golden pocket watch, sleeps in a sumptuous bed, and wears only the finest clothing. Every day, he sits in the dining room at the house on Egypt Street, waiting for his owner, Abilene to return. Abilene loves her Edward, a doll crafted from the finest china. Edward`s life is one of ease, and he has not a care in the world, save for himself. Until one day, when he begins a journey that will teach him about himself and the nature of love.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was supposed to just be a cute bit of easy reading, judging by the cover. But it`s far more than that. I couldn`t put this book down. It is simply beautiful. Dicamillo`s language is touching without being sappy, her characters are touching without being melodramatic, and as Edward`s journey progresses, the reader is offered small glimpses into the lives of the human characters as they fall in love with Edward. I couldn`t help falling in love with Edward either.

Bagram Ibatoulline`s illustrations complement the story perfectly at the beginning of every chapter and with full colour pages sprinkled throughout.

This book is great for all ages, and it would make a great read aloud for parents and teachers.

I read to my kids 8&10 every night before bed. This book was a little slow getting going but we hung in there and were so glad we did. This is a beautiful tale of a china glass bunny...we loved it. We had many nights where we just had to read more than one chapter. I couldn't reccomend it more.

This is a beautifully, well-written story with many layers and lessons to be learned. It can be a challenge for young ones to understand all the themes, but I was excited for my 4th grade student to read this. She seemed to enjoy it, and I was haunted by the characters. I admit that I'm a total sap and cried several times while reading this.

I also agree with other reviewers that there are some troubling situations that may be too traumatic for young children.

I bought this book for our grandchildren and I always read the books I buy for them before giving them out. The author brought the reader right into the story! Both our girls and boys now have a favorite author. They made a diorama of a library with book shelves made from popcicle sticks and posters of Kate DiCamillo! Kate's books are an excellent choice for children.

This book was a gift to my daughter from a family member. One evening at bedtime, I began reading it to her. As a reader for children over the past several years (at school, etc.) I took on the voices and caught the tone of the book immediately.

And I was spellbound! My husband came in the room and, at the end of each chapter, said with our little one, "Read another chapter!" And so I did. Just the most endearing story ever!

As I read, I must confess, I began making a mental list of my adult friends who will receive this book as a Christmas gift. This is the art of writing at its finest.

As a mother (and grandmother) I am thrilled to see such a story in a book. As a reader, I enjoyed the cadence of the language. As a published author myself, I am totally jealous! :)

Can we buy an "Edward?"

Eva Marie Everson
Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel

What a delightful story and the illustrations where so beautiful.
I took this book out of the library I didn't know what to expect.
I didn't expect to need a box of hankies!!

I am definitely going to buy a copy to add to my personal library.

I recommend this book to anyone, child, adult...anyone.
Don't we all go through just such a 'journey'..if we are lucky?

m~

I bought this book for a summer read with my ten year old twins and my five year old. We all enjoyed this so much. When softy Mom started to get choked up at the misfortunes in Edward's life, I'd pass the book off to the boys. We read the whole book aloud, keeping everyone's attention in two, one-hour sessions. We gave the book to my nine year old niece and received a call the very next day telling me how much she loved the book too! We laughed, we cried and we'll remember this one for a long, long time. What more can you ask?

I do not see how you could not love this book!!! I read a lot as a homeschooling mother of 5 and this is definately one of my favorites. You won't regret this purchase!

We received this book in a timely fashion and it came in excellent condition. We are enjoying reading it very much. It is a very sad book, but has a good meaning behind it.

I read a LOT....have since a very early age. Edward Tulane can be understood and seen from so many levels. I honestly do not know how a child or adult's heart can't sigh at the end of the tale. K.Camillo has written another wonderful story in "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane". To read this story as an adult affords the opportunity to once again "read thru your own youth's eyes". An opportunity not afforded too often.

I actually read this book to my class, and they really enjoyed it. In fact they were sad when the book was over. In truth, so was I. It's a little darker than I expected but really very interesting, great moral base, and great imagery (sp?). I highly recommend it to anyone who likes playful fantasy.

I'm typing for my daughter who wanted to provide a review of the book. When we talked about the book she said it should definately be 6 stars. That's how much she liked it. She is 9. She says she liked it because it is "sort of like a life cycle." Her favorite character was Edward Tulane because he "really shows his feelings."

I read this to my 6 year old daughter and we both loved it. The entire book is about love and loss, which are very realistic themes in life. There were some tragic parts, some parts that made us angry, and parts that made us tear up. All emotions excellent writing can evoke.

My daughter is very sensitive but was not disturbed by the book. Rather, it gave us an opportunity to discuss themes in life she has never encountered, like alcoholism or abuse that other children DO have to live with. I feel that it is important for her to know that there are people in the world who are "mean" and that love can be painful sometimes, but that like Edward she learn to love anyway.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is about a almost completely china rabbit who went on a cruise with his owner Abilene Tulane. On the cruise they met two boys who started to rip off Edwards clothing and dropping it on the floor. The two boys started playing catch with him but accidently one of the boys threw Edward into the ocean. The next day a fisherman found him and brought him to his wife. She lost him somehow and then someone else found him later someone else found him and so on. I recommend this book to people who like sad and serious books. by Anita

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is about a almost completely china rabbit who went on a cruise with his owner Abilene Tulane. On the cruise they met two boys who started to rip off Edwards clothing and dropping it on the floor. The two boys started playing catch with him but accidently one of the boys threw Edward into the ocean. The next day a fisherman found him and brought him to his wife. She lost him somehow and then someone else found him later someone else found him and so on. I recommend this book to people who like sad and serious books. by Anita

I wanted so much to love this story as much as DiCamillo's other books. It just didn't come through. Kids age 5 and 9 liked it, me not so much. Pictures are really beautiful.

The passion I have for excellent literature is something I hope to pass on to my kids. In the interest of doing so, I am working on building a rather voluminous library of classic children's books. I bought this one after reading several glowing reviews by a couple of parenting magazines/websites.

After finishing the book, I found myself deeply disappointed. DiCamillo's writing is admittedly rich and masterful. However, the book purports to be aimed at 3rd to 6th graders. While I certainly don't advocate limiting children to Pollyannish literature, it is prudent to consider whether these young, very impressionable minds have the developmental capability to handle darker themes.

If you do let your grade-school age kids read this, make sure to read it first, and then read it with them. And be prepared to explain things like how adults become alcoholics, why people beat eachother up, why little children die, etc. In my opinion, and coming from a background in developmental psychology, this is a book which is more suited to teens. But what teenager is going to identify with the ordeals of a stuffed bunny?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane


The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a great book. It is about a china rabbit named Edward Tulane who was owned by a girl named Abilene. He is very pleased with his life. Edward loved his owner. Then one day he got lost... The rabbit went from family to family and loved each one, but he loved Abilene the best. If you want to know what happens next you will have to read the book.


I think you would like this book if you like the genre fantasy. The book would be best if you like the author Kate DiCamillo. I like this book because I love the author Kate DiCamillo because she includes a lot of detail, so I can picture images in my head. This book is a fun book to read and it makes you want to read and read, . It has great details, so you don't get confused and you really know what is happening. I think this is Kate DiCamillo's best book so far. I think it is a good book for someone in second grade and up. If you haven't read this book I really recommend it. It is such a good book, and I think a lot

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is by Kate DiCamillo and is one
of my favorite books. It is about a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. He
is owned by a little girl named Abilene and is very loved by Abilene. One
day Edward got lost and learned how to love people even more.... He
learns how to get disconnected and reconnected to people that he loves.

This book is a great fantasy book! If you are a good fantasy reader, this
is the perfect book for you and I am sure you will like it. This book is
great for readers that are 3rd grade and up.

I think Kate DiCamillo is a great author because every book I have read
of hers I have fallen in love and this is my favorite book she has ever
written. Whenever I read a book by her, I get so excited because she puts
so much detail into her books and I can't wait to start another one of
her books.

I really recommend this book if you have not read it. If you really like
this book once you read it, I recommend The Tale of Despereaux and all
of the books by Kate DiCamillo because I fell in love with all of the
books I have read by her.

I think this is a very creative book because of what is in it. I think it
is a really fun book that is very unique and that has a lot good
vocabulary that makes the book really fun to read! I think this book
leaves you with a good ending but it still keeps you thinking of what
will happen next. That is what I like about it!

Isabelle

I gave this book to my 7 year old grand daughter, Leah. Leah rated it 5 stars. She got really excited when I told her that Amazon wanted a review. This is what she said:

She read it "all herself". She thought it was "really cool" the way this girl got rabbit that was lost, but followed her from family to family and ended up back with the same family. Leah thought the pictures were great and she felt it would be mostly interesting to girls but lots of people would like it.

I am a former librarian and I too, thought it was "really cool".

Edward Tulane's story is one of the most beautifully-written, moving books I have ever read, in children's or adults' literature. I loved Ms. DiCamillo's "Because of Winn Dixie," but this book surpasses that heartwaming story entirely, with a depth of understanding of the world, of the human spirit, of love, and of hope, not found in many books in our lifetime. Bagram Ibatoulline's exquisite illustrations are perfectly matched with Ms. DiCamillo's words, embodying every emotion with delicacy and appropriate choices about what to depict and how to present each image. If there is such a thing as perfection, then "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" has achieved it. ~Libby Phillips Meggs (author/illiustrator of "Go Home! The True Story of James the Cat.")

I am shocked that this book got so many positive reviews. I'm an adult (a teacher) and found this book to be very upsetting. I was going to include it in my classroom library but my GT kids can be very sensitive and wouldn't be able to handle the abuse and the voilence. This is not appropriate for young children.

This was one of the greatest books I've read. It was very touching at parts. Some parts make me laugh and some made me cry. In this fantasy the main character being a china doll was a great idea. As the china doll loses it's first owner and keeps getting passed on from person to person it begins to understand what his first owner said about 'love'. The ending was also very suprising and i couldn't put the book down. The plot of the book kept changing. For example, when everyone thought, "Well nothing could happen wrong now" it just so happened the rabbit got thrown out a window or in the garbage. In my opinion the book was very sad at times but the ending was just "WOW". The saddest part of the story was when Edward was with Sarah Ruth but there was a sudden twist and he was passed on to Ben. This was a really good read so I'd strongly recommend buying it.

This was one of the greatest books I've read. It was very touching at parts. Some parts make me laugh and some made me cry. In this fantasy the main character being a china doll was a great idea. As the china doll loses it's first owner and keeps getting passed on from person to person it begins to understand what his first owner said about 'love'. The ending was also very suprising and i couldn't put the book down. The plot of the book kept changing. For example, when everyone thought, "Well nothing could happen wrong now" it just so happened the rabbit got thrown out a window or in the garbage. In my opinion the book was very sad at times but the ending was just "WOW". The saddest part of the story was when Edward was with Sarah Ruth but there was a sudden twist and he was passed on to Ben. This was a really good read so I'd strongly recommend buying it.

I read this book each night to my girls (ages 5 and 7). They couldn't wait each night for the next chapter. There are few pictures so when one would come up, they would get all excited and hop over and look and talk about them. There were several sad parts especially towards the end and I would look up at them and they would be WIDE EYED. They asked many questions. The ending was happy and they were so excited. I immediately went online and ordered another book from this author. I highly reccommend this book. Enjoy!