The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

This book is like The Velveteen Rabbit on steroids. It's very good, very sweet and very emotional. I think it's essentially too advanced for a read-aloud to a five-year-old, but Charlie was drawn to the cover, begged for the book at the bookstore, and I gave in, not really knowing what it was about. It is all about Edward's learning to love and appreciate everyone who loves him (Edward is a unique and beautiful toy rabbit) over the years. Though Charlie really seemed to like it and wanted to know what was happening next, he did keep asking me why I was crying, and the flux of characters in and out of the book may have been hard for him to follow. His favorite character was the hobo, and really, he (“Bull”) was the best character in the book. Charlie also thought it was very cool that Bull called Edward “Malone” and he said he would like to be named “Malone.”

Ohhhh this book makes me CRY. God, it's amazing. Read it as a kid and even now I'm filled with such emotion. It's the story of a China Rabbit named Edward who is spoiled rotten, and he knows it. He's arrogant and uppity (though, of course, he can't speak or move, he just thinks). But after getting tossed off a cruise ship in an accident, he goes through so much - from family to family, learning about humans and the difference in their lives. He feels emotion and he loves and he mourns. And it all comes full circle. God this is one of the best children's books in the world.

And that last scene in the shop.... oh god, I'm a mess.

Edward Tulane is a kept rabbit. His owner dresses him, sets him up for his day and loves him unconditionally. But he only thinks about himself. He feels no affection for anyone other than himself. Soon after they set off on a long journey, Edward is separated from his owner and sets off on a journey of self discovery as he moves through the different lives of those who find him.

Edward is learning the art of less of self and thinking of others. Even though he is a child's toy, his many years of traveling through the many phases of his new owners lives, he learns to appreciate the story that Pellegrina told his first owner many years ago.

Join Edward on this lovable journey!!

I suggest this book for kids ages 8-12.

Book brought a tear to my eye. It's a beautiful story about a haughty china rabbit learning to love through the unconditional love of others. Although Edward was the main character, I find the other characters much more interesting even on the surface level, even though the author brings us through Edward's inner thoughts and change. The illustrations brought the book to life. This is one of those books that should definitely be read as a physical book, and where the illustration are essential to the reading experience.


Spoiler from this point:
Why I didn't give 5 stars was because while the story comes full circle, I felt that it wasn't fully fleshed out. The story could have done without it even, though children might not be appreciate that. Would have been nice to have a resolution with regards to Granny.