My newest read is a delightful book that just hit the stands. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane tempted me because it is written by a Newbery Award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo. Though this is a children’s book, I fell in love with it from the very first page. Edward Tulane is a rabbit who is mostly made of china and is very, very well-loved. He has many fine clothes made of silk with leather accessories and his own real pocket watch. Unfortunately, Edward has to have some “life adventures” in order to get his eyes off himself and learn how to love others. It hooked me from the first page. Who couldn’t fall in love with writing like this:
In all, Edward Tulane felt himself to be an exceptional specimen. Only his whiskers gave him pause. They were long and elegant…but they were of uncertain origin. Edward felt quite strongly that they were not the whiskers of a rabbit.
I’m on page 69 of this 198-page book that I started reading on the commute home from work today. I was intrigued and began to read out loud to my husband. From the beginning he was enjoying it as much as I was. If I continue reading on the way to work tomorrow and on the way home, maybe we’ll finish it. Edward is not a silly talking animal. Instead, his attributes are very realistic—fixed eyes, unable to move himself. However, he does have thoughts. It is those thoughts that make the story.
Unforunately, Edward meets with bad fortune. He falls off a cruise liner headed from America to England. As he sinks deeper and deeper into the ocean, I have to remind myself of the title, The Miraculous Journey… What a great move by the author! A funny moment occurs when, after being rescued from the sea, his new owner thinks he’s a girl and dresses him in frilly girl clothes. You can read more about this book on my Book Room page.
This cute, fun, and sometimes sad book is very well written, which is why I wanted to read it in the first place. This one is definitely a keeper in my library. I just wish I had my grandkids close enough long enough to read them this story from beginning to end. And then to maybe read it again.
Addendum 2-22: Once, oh marvelous once, there was a rabbit that found his way home.
The book is finished, and we hated to say goodbye. I rate this book a ten out of 5.
