I just finished reading it to my Grade 1s and they LOVED it!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is just the most heartbreakingly beautiful story about a china rabbit who learns to love after a series of adventures. He experiences life as a treasured toy, a fisherman, a hobo, and a puppet. Parts of the story were very sad (in fact I was fighting back tears at the happy/sad ending) but the kids were fine with it and were begging me to read more every day.
At the end of the book we had a great discussion about the story and its meaning. I was trying to get the kids to recognize the main theme (learning to open your heart and feel love), but they're only 6 years old and were fixated on the dream/death hallucination towards the end of the book. They were trying to decide if Edward really learned how to walk or was just dreaming.
Afterwards, the kids painted their favourite scene and wrote about it. Most of them focussed on the ocean voyage when Edward is tossed overboard.
You can find a fabulous teacher's guide here. I wish I'd stumbled across this earlier, but I'll be sure to have it on hand before I read the book to next year's class.
Here's a trailer for the book:
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did:)
I haven't heard of this. It sounds gorgeous. Thank you for the tip!
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! Can't wait to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThis is hands down my favorite children's book of all times. I start reading chapter books to my kindergarteners the second week of school. We start with Kate DiCamilla's Mercy Watson series. They're a great introduction because they are quick reads and still have a lot of pictures. But always, ALWAYS, what I read next is Edward Tulane. It makes me tear up to tell others what the book is about. Plus it's been great to use our inferring skills to find out what the author means and is trying to tell us without words and pictures. The kids LOVE the book every year. I've read it to kids as young as Pre-K. So glad it's getting more read!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beauty, that's for sure. You're right, it's perfect for inferring. We did a lot of that, too. My kids were convinced Pellegrina was a witch:) I wasn't aware of the Mercy Watson series. I'm definitely checking them out. Thanks!
DeleteThis is new to me... I'm heading off to the library right now! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Granny Goes to School
This is one of my most favorite books. I will most definitely read it now that you have tested it with firsties. I was worried about when the little girl dies. How did you handle that part?
ReplyDeleteYou don't know Mercy Watson?! You must.
Kimberley
This is a well loved book at our house.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't seen this one. We always love some new finds especially the ones that friends recommend! Thank you!
ReplyDelete~Christy & Tammy
Fluttering Through First Grade
Beautiful paintings and writings from your students! They have done a great job!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
I think I have blogged more about this book than any other! It is SO amazing and I really want to read it to my class....even if they have already heard it! Kate DiCamillo is a genious and her book box is always empty in our library.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee
I've never heard of the book. I may have to read it at home before trying to read it to the kids. I can get choked up pretty easy reading books. Once I was reading Totally Disgusting by Bill Wallace. It's a book about a cat. In the story the old cat next door dies and I almost lost it as I was reading it to the kids. I will definitely be checking this book out.
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
This looks like a great book, Barb. Thanks for sharing. I hadn't seen it before.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
I haven't read this - but it sounds like I should! Thank you for telling me about it! :D
ReplyDeleteAnother Barb recommendation that I did not know about. Will have to check it out.
ReplyDelete