The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine.
Edward Tulane, an elegant bunny made mostly of china, believes himself to be a fine specimen. Despite the fact that his owner, a little girl named Abilene, loves him desperately, he cares for no one but himself. Only after Edward is thrown from a ship into the ocean — then rediscovered by a series of different owners — does he understand the real meaning of love. His miraculous journey comes full circle when Abilene’s daughter purchases him at a toy shop.
In one adventure, a woman hangs up Edward to scare away crows. The illustration is reminiscent of a crucifixion, as Edward is tied and nailed to a cross-shaped piece of wood and feels “mocked” by the birds that circle him. When a boy named Bryce uses Edward as a dancing puppet, a bystander becomes upset and says it’s a sin to dance. Though not mentioned in an overtly Christian way, the themes of love, hope and self-sacrifice are built into this story.
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Most of the people who own Edward throughout the story name him and care deeply for him. Some even make clothes for him and reserve a special place for him in their daily activities. Several characters, including a diner owner and a toy repairman, behave cruelly to a child (Bryce) while Edward’s in his possession. Sarah Ruth, a terminally ill 4-year-old, has a father who drinks a lot and is physically abusive. Pellegrina, the grandmother of Edward’s first owner, tells Edward she’s disappointed in his failure to love. Her words haunt him and drive his subsequent transformation
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