A review by monalyisha
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Tomorrow, I host the first meeting of a brand-new book club for adults at my library called “The Young at Heart Book Club.” Each month, we’ll read and discuss a different children’s book. Edward Tulane was exactly the right choice for an introductory text, if I do say so myself! It’s a lyrical parable about the importance of love — and especially of hope. 

I’m with Natalie Babbitt when it comes to her definition of Children’s Literature, so this is perfect! In 1970, she wrote that what distinguishes the children's story from adult literature is the happy ending…not that all ends are tied up, all problems solved…but simply that there is a final sense of promise and possibility, "something which turns a story ultimately toward hope rather than resignation.” This is the quintessential lesson that Edward learns on his miraculous journey: that “we should be awash in hope.” 

I’m so happy that not only was Edward mended, his rabbit-fur ears and rabbit-fur tail restored to their original splendor, but that he finally got his wings, as well. “Hope is the thing with feathers,” after all.
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