Beautiful story. Captivating illustrations. I've just read the most charming book by Kate DiCamillo, with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline, which was published in 2006 and became a bestseller. This was serendipity of the best kind; I had no intention of reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, but it fell into my hands after having been returned to my daughter, and once I picked it up and started it, I had no choice but to continue. Not just a book for children, DiCamillo presents profound truths in a simple, beautiful, and imaginative way. Written from the point of view of Edward Tulane, a vain and haughty china rabbit, this is a story that alternately breaks and then warms your heart, as Edward embarks on the worst and best of adventures after he's separated from his owner, a little girl named Abilene who loves him very much. He does not love her back, nor does he care for anyone but himself. Soon the richly dressed rabbit's fate changes--was it due to Pellegrina's story about the princess? Stripped of his fine clothing, even made to wear frilly dresses, this rabbit is in for a rude awakening. We travel with Edward on a journey both physical and emotional--from the bottom of the sea to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage pile to the knee of a hobo, from the bedside of an ill child to the streets of Memphis--and experience his separation, hardship, uncertainty, and metamorphosis. Whether shared with a child, or enjoyed privately, this is a book to be read and reread, and is destined to become a favorite.
Beautiful story. Captivating illustrations. I've just read the most charming book by Kate DiCamillo, with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline, which was published in 2006 and became a bestseller. This was serendipity of the best kind; I had no intention of reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, but it fell into my hands after having been returned to my daughter, and once I picked it up and started it, I had no choice but to continue. Not just a book for children, DiCamillo presents profound truths in a simple, beautiful, and imaginative way. Written from the point of view of Edward Tulane, a vain and haughty china rabbit, this is a story that alternately breaks and then warms your heart, as Edward embarks on the worst and best of adventures after he's separated from his owner, a little girl named Abilene who loves him very much. He does not love her back, nor does he care for anyone but himself. Soon the richly dressed rabbit's fate changes--was it due to Pellegrina's story about the princess? Stripped of his fine clothing, even made to wear frilly dresses, this rabbit is in for a rude awakening. We travel with Edward on a journey both physical and emotional--from the bottom of the sea to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage pile to the knee of a hobo, from the bedside of an ill child to the streets of Memphis--and experience his separation, hardship, uncertainty, and metamorphosis. Whether shared with a child, or enjoyed privately, this is a book to be read and reread, and is destined to become a favorite.
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Sounds like my story! But seriously, this sounds like a great book. I'm adding this to my to read list!
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy this magical book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
So many of my favorite books are written for young readers. I'll always be young at heart, so this sounds like another I'd enjoy. (We all loved "Despereax," also by this same author.) Thanks for always giving thoughtful recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a true gem, Christie. Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteI loved the book Edward Tulane so much that I started book club for my grown daughters to discuss it. There are so many deeper meanings in the book. Adults get so much more out of it than a child would. I love the biblical innuendos, and the reference to the fact that we all need redemption from our sins great or small. Edward shows us how the painful process of becoming our better self is so worth it in the end. I absolutely love all of Kate DiCamillo's books and recommend them to all young or old- (especially old).
ReplyDeleteWell-said, Anon. This book, for children and adults, may be enjoyed more by adults, who will readily recognize it's wisdom and beauty.
ReplyDelete