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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Heartless toy finds love in a cruel world.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A boy is slapped, a dog is kicked, and a living toy is smashed and broken.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A fisherman smokes a pipe. A boy's father is described as a drunk.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was written by Matt Berman

Parents need to know that this is a melancholy little story in which there is cruelty and misery, including a little girl who dies of consumption. Most readers, child and adult, will cry while reading it; at the most extreme, some very sensitive kids might find it too disturbing.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the path of growth and understanding that Edward follows. What does he learn about love? Why does he try, for awhile, to avoid it? Why is it so important?
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More on The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Book Summary

Edward Tulane is a three-foot tall toy rabbit, beautifully made, with a wardrobe of exquisite clothes. Like any toy, he cannot move or talk, but he can think. And despite being loved by a little girl, Abilene, he doesn't love anyone but himself.

Abilene's mysterious grandmother tells them a story of a princess who cannot love, and she whispers to Edward, "You disappoint me." Soon after, while on a cruise ship, Edward is thrown overboard by some mean boys, thus beginning an odyssey that carries him through many years to different owners, through humiliation and damage and pain, but enables him gradually to open his heart to others.

Is It Any Good?

This lovely, lyrical, almost Dickensian tale is certainly a classic in the making. How is it that, at a time when so many authors don't seem to be able to get their readers emotionally involved with their human characters, Kate DiCamillo can have her readers breathless and weeping over a toy rabbit that can neither move nor talk? This is the author's secret, and the key to why this book should last long after others have faded away.

Yes, it is at times mawkish and overwrought: The stunning cruelty of the world to a little boy named Bryce, for instance, left unresolved by the author, borders on being too much. But by that time, even jaded readers won't mind -- they'll be too swept up in the rich and powerful story, enhanced by the gorgeous drawings and paintings by Ibatoulline. The whole volume, in fact, is a treat, printed in perfectly sized type with plenty of white space on creamy paper -- a beautiful edition well worth the slightly higher hardcover price. Don't miss sharing this near-perfect bedtime book with your middle-graders, and don't be surprised if you find your older kids listening in at the doorway.

Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Candlewick Press, Publication date: 03/12/2006
Number of pages: 198, Price: $18.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 7-10, Read Alone: 8

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Such a great book!

    It's a very good book! I loved it so much! The only reason I am marking it violent, is because a little girl dies. I don't think its violent, but to some people it might be. This book is about a little china rabbit that belongs to a girl named Abiline. She loves him so much! But when he gets seperated from her, he has met and loved over five new people. And at the end, he find's Abiline.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    great book

    this book is a great book. everyone should read it.this book is about a china rabbit named edward and a girl named abilen. the raddit goes on a exciting but weard journey.this book is a must read book.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I think it is a wonderful book and i would recomend it to any one in the world that i know in the world and tell that person to pass on the message that the book is a good book and it can give some information on were he is and what kind of rabbit he is

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    A sweet story enhanced by wonderful illustrations

    A fantastical journey through a doll, Edward Tulane, who only knew the luxurious, spoiled, high-class lifestyle. Edward is lost in an unfortunate string of events, and overcomes his smug view of his new life through many experiences. Overall a story that shows the reader what life is all about, appreciating what you have and making the most of it. A sweet story enhanced by wonderful illustrations.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    it is great for all ages

    LOoved it sooooo much

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