The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

This is the story of Edward Tulane, the haughty china rabbit who belongs to a little girl named Abilene.  When Abilene and her parents journey to England, Edward is lost at sea.  After laying on the ocean bottom for a year, Edward is rescued by a fisherman.  Thus begins his miraculous journey.  The passing years find Edward living with different people and learning how important it is to open your heart and be loved.

One part of the book that really touched me is near the end when Edward is conversing with an antique doll.  He says that he doesn't care if anyone comes for him; he's done with being loved and done with loving because it's too painful.  As the doll leaves the shop with her new owner, she tells Edward, "Open your heart.  Someone will come.  Someone will come for you.  But first you must open your heart."  Edward's heart stirs, and as much as he doesn't want to believe it, he can't help but hope that someone will come for him.  His heart had opened.

He's rewarded in the end.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was a real treat to read, and the illustrations were gorgeous. Edward's journey was sad at times, but the lessons he learned from his experiences are applicable to us all.  I can't wait until my girls are older so that I can share this book with them.

4/5