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Friday, April 8, 2011

REVIEW: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

5 of 5 Stars - (Read July 2010)

I was wanting something emotional, but I certainly wasn’t expecting it to come from this children’s book by Kate DiCamillo. *sniff, sniff*

I had started the first chapter of this book about a month before, but I just wasn’t in the mood to read it then. Then the library due date loomed and I thought I better get cracking! Why did I put off reading this heart-wrenchingly beautiful story??? Yes, it is a children’s book, but it truly touched me and had me tearing up a few times. It had some beautiful illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline.

Edward Tulane is a vain china rabbit who was dearly loved by a 10-year old girl named Abilene. Though Edward was loved, he didn’t know how to love in return. Then one day, Edward’s life was changed forever and he was lost at sea. Thus, begins, Edward’s journey from being surrounded by love, to being alone, found and loved, and then abandoned again… passing through several different lives and meeting some wonderful people, and also some truly horrible ones. Through this journey, Edward learns to love … but he also experiences having his heart broken … and then, he must learn to open his heart again. Edward learns the meaning of despair … and of hope.

One day, when I have children, I would like to share this story with them.

These are some of my favourite quotes:

"Edward knew what it was like to say over and over again the names of those you had left behind. He knew what it was like to miss someone. And so he listened. And in his listening, his heart opened wide and then wider still."
....
“Look at me, he said to her. His arms and legs jerked. Look at me. You got your wish. I have learned how to love. And it's a terrible thing. I'm broken. My heart is broken. Help me.”
....
""I'm done with being loved," Edward told her. "I'm done with loving. It's too painful.""
....
""Open your heart," she said gently. "Someone will come. Someone will come for you. But first you must open your heart."
The door closed. The sunlight disappeared.
Someone will come." 

2 comments:

  1. Hi, I have read this book many MANY times, and I loved it even more each time. I love the quotes you picked, I'm doing a book report on this book and so right now im researching quotes in this book online and I found them very helpful. Thank You.

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  2. Hi, Thanks for your comment and glad that the quotes were helpful. All the best with your book report! I loved this book and these quotes really resonated with me.

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