The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 27 April 2006
by Kate DiCamillo
illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Edward Tulane, it should be made clear from the outset, is a rabbit fashioned of china and fine clothes. He is proud and self-absorbed, except while gazing at the beautiful stars through the window of the room belonging to the little girl who loves him. But Edward doesn't know much about love, nor does he seem to care. Until his world is turned, literally, upside-down one day, and he embarks on many adventures of love and loss. These adventures are alternately (does one dare use the word?) heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Edward passes through many hands, some sympathetic, others cool and even cruel. Along the way, this bundle of ceramics and cloth and even bunny fur, learns a thing or two about attachment and about hope. The story is desceptively simple, and it sneaks up on its reader. The messages of love and hope are presented in spare lyrical prose, and are arrestingly powerful. The book is a hypnotic and almost magical read. Quite beautiful. The experience is greatly enhanced by Ibatoulline's wonderful illustrations which are exquisitely drafted, calm and elegant. What remains, however, is the question of this book's audience. For adults, it may be quite mesmerizing, despite being often tragic. For what children, then, is it appropriate? Any child (and this reader thinks that children tend to be far more understanding and reslilient than we all expect) who can deal with the tragic concepts of loss, loneliness and even death will likely respond to this book. Its rewards are very much worth the journey. Highly recommended.