The One About M - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

OMG!  This might be one of my most favorite books of all-time.  I know I say that a lot, but seriously.  Seriously.

Have you read this book?  If not, stop reading it now and go buy the digital version.  I'll wait. . . . 

Ok, good.  So this book was given to me several years ago by a student.  Clearly above a 1st Grade reading level, but that just means it was destined to be a read aloud.  The first time I read it, by myself, prior to reading it to my kiddos I was mesmerized.  It was awesome.  I cried.  I got goosebumps.  I fell in love.  When I read it to my kids they were enthralled.  I cried again.  I got goosebumps again.  I fell deeper in love.  It has become a staple in my classroom ever since.  It is always the first read aloud chapter book I share with my kiddos.  Every class adores it.  Every time I cry, get goosebumps, and reaffirm my love of this book.  It is seriously that good.

Kate DiCamillo has written a timeless tale.  The main character is a china rabbit with a serious lesson to learn.  The story spans decades and touches on such heartfelt topics such as love, loyalty, life, death, destiny, selfishness, pride, the list goes on.  It never ceases to amaze me how into the story the kids get, despite the fact that it is such a serious and higher leveled read.

Now, I will pause here to say that I know of one person who is not a fan of the book.  Amy.  My own dear wife.  I gushed over it to her as I have here with you.  She read it.  She hated it.  What?!  I still don't see how, but she does.  Maybe hate is too strong a word.  Maybe she'll grow to love it.  Although probably not.  Regardless, it remains, in my opinion, as one of the best books in the world.  Read.  It.  Now.

Thanks for hopping by.