I just finished reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo with my 9 year old. It was a wonderful story about a china rabbit doll named Edward Tulane, owned, dearly loved and cared for by Abilene Tulane. We hear Edward's innermost thoughts and learn that he really doesn't care about anyone other than himself. Abilene's grandmother tells a story one night to Edward and Abilene. She tells a tale of a princess who loves no one but herself and happens upon a witch when she's lost in the woods. The witch turns her into a warthog to teach her about love. When Abilene's grandmother finished the story, she leans over and whispers in Edwards ear that he disappoints her, as if she knows he's alive and that he is self-centered.
The next day the family sets out on a cruise to England. Poor Edward is tossed overboard by two boys playing keep-away from Abilene. This begins Edwards journey to discover emotions he thought were beneath him. He learns to love, but that sometimes it hurts. He finds that maybe it was better not to have loved. He meets sweet characters, and others that are at the bottom of what the human race has to offer. He is something different to each "owner" he meets...a friend, a child, hope. He not only learns to love, but he learns sorrow, frustration, despair, joy and heartbreak.
This was a wonderful story with short chapters, so it was a great night time book. We made it through in a couple of days. Be warned, though, we did cry at one point. Its a tough one for the tender-hearted...but it encompasses lessons we would all do well to learn.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
The next day the family sets out on a cruise to England. Poor Edward is tossed overboard by two boys playing keep-away from Abilene. This begins Edwards journey to discover emotions he thought were beneath him. He learns to love, but that sometimes it hurts. He finds that maybe it was better not to have loved. He meets sweet characters, and others that are at the bottom of what the human race has to offer. He is something different to each "owner" he meets...a friend, a child, hope. He not only learns to love, but he learns sorrow, frustration, despair, joy and heartbreak.
This was a wonderful story with short chapters, so it was a great night time book. We made it through in a couple of days. Be warned, though, we did cry at one point. Its a tough one for the tender-hearted...but it encompasses lessons we would all do well to learn.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
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