I've really done it this time. Bitten off more than I can chew, I mean.
At a recent visit to the library, we picked up The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It is a story about a rabbit (a "China" rabbit, Juliette would be quick to correct) who learns to love.
I did no advance research. We are 6 chapters in. Edward just spent 297 days AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN. No good for a little girl who is desperately trying to learn to swim.
It is such a good story, I found myself cheating on Juliette and reading the Amazon review to find out what happens.
NOT GOOD.
Edward's four year old owner dies in chapters to come. WHY, OH WHY don't I read Amazon reviews before impulse choosing at the library????
Is it too much to ask for a HAPPY CHILDREN'S story? This novel is almost biblical in it's associations with grief and suffering.
Do I say Edward Tulane needs to go back to the library and switch it out for that misbehaving misanthrope Junie B. Jones???? Do we skip the part about the four year old?
They write books on what to do about diaper rash, but there is no book to help with navigating the murkey waters of children's literature.
