The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo follows the transformative journey of a porcelain rabbit named Edward who learns about love, loss, and compassion. Through his adventures and the people he meets, Edward discovers the importance of caring for others and opening his heart. The story encourages young readers to appreciate empathy, resilience, and the power of connection, making it a touching tale of personal growth and kindness.

This chapter book will be the first real "literature unit" that most children will complete. It is a great introduction to how language arts is structured in higher levels of our curriculum. Here are a few ways this book is used in our curriculum:

• Vocabulary Development: As students follow Edward's adventures, they enrich their vocabulary through exposure to new words and their context, further supported by tailored activities that encourage them to use these words in creative writing and discussions.
• Character Analysis: Through directed studies, students delve into character motivations, changes, and the interplay between characters, enhancing their analytical and inferential skills. 
• Thematic Exploration: Our curriculum encourages students to explore the themes of transformation, love, and redemption present in Edward's story. Through guided discussions, writing assignments, and hands-on projects, students connect these themes to their own experiences and the broader world.
• Creative Expression: Drawing from the book's rich narrative and emotional journey, students engage in creative projects such as art, drama, and creative writing, allowing them to express their interpretations and emotional responses to the story.