The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
What’s inside...
Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories. A timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love. Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.
Discussion points
How did Edward change throughout his journey? What events do you think were most important for his transformation?
Edward meets many different characters on his travels. Which character did you find the most interesting and why?
How do you think losing Edward affected Abilene? How would you feel if you lost something or someone special to you?
The story talks a lot about love and loss. What does love mean to you? Have you ever had to let go of something or someone you love?
What do you think the stars symbolized in the story? How do they relate to Edward’s feelings and experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: When discussing Edward's feelings or important moments, adjust your tone to match the emotion. This helps children better understand and relate to the story.
Relate to personal experiences: Connect themes from the book like love, loss, and change to your child's personal experiences. This creates a deeper understanding and empathy towards the characters.
Ask reflective questions: Encourage your child to think deeper by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations as Edward. This promotes emotional intelligence and critical thinking.
Create a comfortable reading environment: Make sure the reading space is inviting and distraction-free, fostering a calm atmosphere for thoughtful discussion.
Encourage imaginative thinking: Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for Edward. This stimulates creativity and helps them engage with the narrative on a personal level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of love and compassion
Explanation: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, learns to love and feel compassion for others throughout his travels and the people he meets. His emotional journey transforms him from a self-centered figure to a caring entity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of showing empathy and building meaningful relationships in their lives, understanding how their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Edward faces many challenges and losses throughout his journey. His ability to continue on, despite these hardships, illustrates the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to cope with difficulties and setbacks, encouraging them to persevere and adapt in trying situations.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth
Explanation: As Edward experiences life from many angles, he evolves from an inanimate object into a character with profound understanding and emotional depth.
Real-World Application: Children learn that personal growth is a continuous process that is shaped by their experiences and interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, the kindness shown to Edward by others profoundly affects his character, illustrating how acts of kindness can transform lives.
Real-World Application: This promotes the practice of kindness in everyday interactions, showing children how their behavior can positively influence the world around them.