Let me just say, I’m so glad we “read” The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo on audiobook. It is a tear-jerker. But in the best way.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is the story of a much-loved china rabbit. The only problem is, he doesn’t love back.
The china rabbit, Edward Tulane–unlike most toys in stories–is unable to move or speak. He is just a toy, but he has an entire life of the mind going on inside.
His owner, Abiline, just adores him and treats him as though he were a real person. Edward is proud and selfish. One night, Abiline’s grandmother, Pelegrina, who gave her Edward, tells a story of a princess who is unable to love. Then she leans down and whispers to Edward, “You disappoint me.”
Soon after, Edward is lost. He spends time at the bottom of the sea, with an elderly couple, with a hobo and his dog, and with a dying girl. And little by little, his heart begins to open.
You’ll probably see the ending coming, but your kids won’t. This story is really a beautiful one to read.
Perhaps being unable to love seems like a heavy subject for children, but I think it is quite relevant. Children tend to believe the world revolves around them, much like Edward does. Following Edward’s journey, learning to love each person as they are, may open your child’s heart in the same way that Edward’s is opened.
And if you were planning to read this aloud, I highly recommend the audiobook (or a box of tissues).
What children’s book has made you cry? Tell me about it or about any other book you love below!
Oh, I love this book! And really anything and everything by Kate di Camillo. I definitely cried while reading The Snow Child, though, as you said, in the best possible way!
I haven’t read The Snow Child, but the cover is intriguing. I like most of DiCamillo’s books, but I couldn’t get into Flora and Ulysses. But then again, I didn’t finish the book, which is really unfair of me. Have you read that one?
I have. I actually loved that one! Though it is rather different from her others, with the graphic novel elements woven into it.
Did you notice all the Christian references in this book? I don’t think the author is a Christian (I don’t know one way or the other), but there were so many times I wondered as I read this book. It’s been a while…time to pull my PAPER copy back out. 😉
I think I saw a few of them. I’d love to hear what you saw, Elaine. It was a really beautiful story.
I’ve never heard of this one! It sounds like such a good book, though. The theme sounds similar to The Velveteen Rabbit, which is a big favorite of mine.
That would make for an interesting comparison! The main difference is Edward’s change is in his heart, but the Velveteen Rabbit’s change is more external.
My fourth and fifth graders loved this book when I worked in my school library. It really a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing with us on Literacy Musing Mondays.
Any age suggestions for this one? We have a 7, 4 and near 3 year old and we all read together. They are used to pausing for mama to compose herself…
Also, I really appreciated your interview on RAR. It really gave me a new perspective on fantasy.
Thanks, Jen, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Edward Tulane would be fine for your seven, but it may not hold the interest of the little ones in the slower parts and the traumatic parts (he falls overboard, gets lost, gets broken, etc.) might worry them, depending on their personality. We just listened to it, and mine are 10, 8, 6, and 3 (but I think it all goes over the 3-yo’s head). I hope that helps!
This is one of my very favorites! 🙂 I’ve been thinking that it’s been too long since we read it last. Maybe we’ll try it on audiobook this time. Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
I’m happy to have reminded you of an old favorite. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!