The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is the story of a china rabbit that lives a very privileged life with a girl named Abilene. Abilene loves him, but Edward is too self-absorbed to know how to return her love. One day Edward is tossed into the ocean by two boys on a ship and he thinks that his life is over. He is rescued (after a long time to think) and goes through a series of owners who finally teach him about love. In this modern fantasy, Edward is transformed emotionally. In the end, he experiences a miracle, but not before he pays his dues.
Although I am not normally a great fan of modern fantasy, this book really engaged me. I read it through in one straight sitting. I normally enjoy books that are more realistic in nature and even though this story does have some elements of fantasy, it is the kind that I can enjoy. Edward is so human-like and even endearing at times (after he starts to mature and his character begins to feel the emotions of love and compassion). The story becomes a real tear jerker at the point when Sarah Ruth, a young girl who loves Edward dies. Even though the subjects of poverty, abuse and death are a part of the story, they are presented in a way that isn't too shocking. Most older children should be able to handle these elements and they do give the story a more realistic tone.
I found this Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards winner to be a heartwarmingly easy read. I would recommend it for children in the 4th to 6th grades, unless they are overly sensitive to issues of separation, illness and death.
Keywords associated with this book: rabbits, dolls, fantasy, modern fantasy, animal fantasy.
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