Last updated: July 28, 2026
If you’re searching for Edward Tulane teaching ideas, Kate DiCamillo’s beautifully written novel offers opportunities for wonderful class discussions. This timeless story follows Edward, a china rabbit who begins life adored and cherished, yet must lose everything before he learns what it truly means to love. Teachers appreciate how the book gently guides students through themes of loss, hope, and empathy,
Reading Level
Lexile 700L
Interest Level
Grades 3-5
Length
224 pages
Award
Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Fiction
Jump to Section
⭐ About the Book
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane tells the story of Edward, a porcelain rabbit who lives a comfortable, pampered life with Abilene, the girl who loves him dearly. Although Abilene treats Edward as a treasured member of the family, he feels little affection in return. His journey begins when two mischievous boys toss Edward overboard during a voyage on the Queen Mary, sending him sinking into the ocean’s depths.
Edward is eventually rescued, but his life changes again and again as he passes from one owner to the next. He lives with a fisherman and his wife, spends time in a garbage dump, travels the countryside with a wandering boy, comforts a very ill girl named Sarah, and even ends up on display in a doll repair shop. Each new home teaches Edward something he never understood before: love is fragile, love is painful, and love is worth opening your heart for.
⭐ Book Details
| Publication Date | September 8, 2009 |
| Reading Level | Lexile 700L • Scholastic Guided Reading Level U |
| Interest Level | Grades 3–5 |
| Major Awards | Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Fiction |
| Length | 224 pages (approx. 69,540 words) |
| Estimated Reading Time | About 4 hours and 38 minutes (at 250 words per minute) |
| Audiobook Length | 1 hour, 55 minutes |
| Genre | Historical fiction novel for young adults |
| Setting | Egypt Street • The Atlantic Ocean • Fisherman Lawrence and Nellie’s home • Garbage dump • Countryside • Sarah and Bryce’s home • Neal’s diner • Doll repair workshop • Doll shelf where Abilene finds Edward |
| Point of View | Third person omniscient, from Edward’s perspective |
| Themes | Connections Between Love and Loss |
| Memorable Quote | “Open your heart. Someone will come. Someone will come for you. But first you must open your heart.” |
| First Line | “Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit who was made almost entirely of china...” |
Activities for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Book Unit Samples
If you would like to try out The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Book Unit this sample includes the including:
- Vocabulary Practice for Chapters 1-2
- Comprehension Questions for Chapters 1-2
- Constructed Response Question – Cause and Effect
- Photos to Show What the Rest of the Unit Looks Like
Teaching Idea #1 – Anchor Chart
As you can see from the anchor chart. When he is lost at sea, he begins a series of adventures that take him through various owners.
Through his journey, Edward learns about the power of love and compassion. Edward witnesses the kindness and generosity of the people who take him in. He also sees the pain and suffering of those who have lost someone they love. Through these characters, Edwards learns about the importance of being humble and understanding. He experiences the cruelty of those who mistreat him. He sees the loneliness of those who cannot or will not open their hearts to love.
Each owner teaches Edward to grow in character from a self-absorbed toy to a loving and caring individual.
Teaching Idea #2 – Tracking Edward’s Journey Free Printable
Download this free printable chart for your students to track Edward’s travels. Use the chart to discuss Edward’s different names.
Discussion Questions:
- Does a name change a person?
- Edward is given both male and female names. Does that change who is he?
- Do the names fit the circumstances Edward finds himself in? Explain.
Teaching Idea #3 – Characters and Settings
Students may have a difficult time remembering all the characters and settings of the novel. Here are a few ideas for helping students keep the details straight:
Character Sketches
Ask the students to create character sketches the characters in the book. They can include physical descriptions, personality traits, and the role each character played in the story.
Timeline
Have students create a timeline of Edward’s journey. Include all the important events in the story.
Artwork
Have students create artwork based on scenes from the book. For example, they can draw or paint a picture of Edward sitting on the ocean floor, or make a collage of his different owners.
Teaching Idea #4 – Comparing Stories
Edward’s journey in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz share some similarities and differences.
Both
- Edward and Dorothy go on a physical journey that takes them away from home.
- Both are exposed them to new experiences and challenges.
- Both encounter a variety of characters who teach them valuable lessons about life.
- Their journeys test their courage.
Differences
- Dorothy’s journey is a quest to find her way back home. Edward’s journey is more about self-discovery and personal growth.
- Dorothy is aided by friends. Edward is often alone or mistreated by those around him.
- Edward’s journey is more transformative than Dorothy’s. Dorothy remains largely the same at the end of her journey.
Teaching Idea #5 – Discussion Questions
What is the significance of the title? How does the word “miraculous” apply to Edward’s journey?
How does Edward’s journey transform him?
- What does the china rabbit represent?
What is the significance of the ending? How has Edward changed by the end of the book?
How does the book explore the idea of empathy? How does Edward’s journey help him to develop empathy for others?
What themes does the book explore? How does the author use Edward’s journey to explore these themes?
What is the message of the book? How does it relate to your own experiences and understanding of life?
See the product that inspired this post.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Book Unit contains graphic organizers for an interactive notebook and game activities. Vocabulary, comprehension, constructed response writing, and skill practice are all included.
