A Newberry winner twice over,  with a long list of other literary citations, DiCamillo is my go-to children’s author when I need a little faith, hope, and magic.

Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with flexible arms and legs, who sees all (his eyes are painted open) and comments silently on the world around him.  His fatal flaw is that he thinks too much – of himself – and is unable to love anyone but himself.  He starts an amazing journey from the comfort of a well-appointed existence in the Tulane household to being thrown off an ocean liner and sinking to the bottom of the sea.  After his eventual rescue by a fisherman, he is buried in garbage, saved by a dog, travels with hoboes, and works as a scarecrow.

Along the way, he is adored by a cast of characters who dress him, speak to him, hold him, and love him.  And Edward learns to love, lose his fears,  and eventually find his way back home.

Once again Kate DiCamillo has created a charming story with a strong message that never speaks down to her audience.

Related articles

• The Magician’s Elephant – from the author of The Tale of Despereaux (ncbookbunch.wordpress.com)