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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline)
  • 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

About The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
  •  I think this book is

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See all 19 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. 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

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    it is great for all ages

    i loved it was the best but it gets to be very sad when sarah ruth dies

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    I'm 11 years old and i was reading this book just for funn because in my class got introuble alot so we had silent snack and i read chapter by chapter and it waws a fantastic book i loved it, i read about 2 to 4 chapters in class and i read a total of 9 chapter in one day because it was a hands on book and i had detention thia was a great book with mostly positive language and messages

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Simply amazing

    One of the greatest books I have ever read. I love this book so much. Deserves 5 stars. I love the ending especially. Kate DiCamillo is such a great author!

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Fantastic, deep, meaningful book

    I am a mother of two boys, 5 and 7. We read this book (a few chapters at a time) and it got to the point where we just couldn't stop until we finished it. The book is brilliant! It affects you emotionally as well as physically. Once when Edward is drowning and sinking to the bottom of the ocean, you actually feel as if you, yourself, can't breathe. This book teaches us a great lesson in values and love, for chilren and adults alike.

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