I can’t add a quote right now because the book is in the truck, waiting for tomorrow’s story hours during our morning and evening commutes. I truly believe that Kate’s books are best read aloud. In a serious moment, we have to stop and laugh at the charming picture being painted. Such as when the rat fell in the queen’s soup and surfaced with little pieces of watercress on his whiskers.

So far, the thing I like best about this book is the way it draws the reader in. Literally. Kate addresses the reader directly, telling us to stop and think about what a situation would feel like if it were happening to us. She is, in essence, teaching the reader HOW to fully enjoy a book. Brilliant!

We both think Edward Tulane is a better book than Despereaux, but then we read it first. And, as all writers do, Kate continues to improve her writing skills. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

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.

This book for Middle Grade to Young Adult readers won three prestigious awards the year it was published including the Newbery Medal, the Robert F. Sibert Medal, and was a National Book Award Finalist. My writing instructor touts it as a must read, and it is highly recommended by guest authors as well.

The subject matter is right up my alley. It is fascinating to see how history ties into my genealogy research. Hmmm….He also wrote a book called Blizzard. I think I’m going to like this guy.

Bye.