The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. What does Edward look at if he is facing the window while Abilene is sleeping?

2. What is the name of the ship Edward sails on?

3. What is the princess in Pellegrina’s story turned into?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Edward’s opinion of himself? What may make him unique in comparison to other toy rabbits?

2. What might Edward’s wardrobe indicate about the Tulane family?

3. What can be inferred about the way Edward believes he should be treated?

4. Why does Pellegrina insist on telling Edward the story about the cursed princess? How does Edward react to the story?

Paired Resource

“The Science Behind the Talking Gecko Ads”

• This 6-minute video explores the purpose of anthropomorphism in television ads and the resulting effects on individuals.
• Shared themes include Love as the Meaning of Life and Having a Voice Through the Power of a Story.
• Why do some advertisements use inanimate objects? Why is this strategy effective in motivating buyers? What effect might Edward’s character have on the reader and the way they interact with inanimate objects?

“Why Do People Anthropomorphize Everyday Objects?”

• This article explores the anthropomorphism of inanimate objects by adults and children. (Teacher-appropriate; not student facing)
• Shared themes include The Connection Between Love and Loss and Love as the Meaning of Life.
• Why do people anthropomorphize inanimate objects? Why do children in particular tend to anthropomorphize objects? How does the author use this tendency in people to create her narrative?

Chaptes 8-15

Reading Check

1. What is Nellie’s new name for Edward?

2. Where does Lolly put Edward, resulting in his removal from Nellie and Lawrence’s house?

3. Who manages to take Edward from Lucy’s mouth?

4. What is Edward used as at the home where he is referred to as Clyde?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Edward’s attitude toward Nellie’s treatment of him? How does Edward exhibit some signs of change?

2. How does Edward compare Nellie’s stories to Abilene’s? What are some possible reasons behind Edward’s descriptions?

3. In what way is Edward’s experience different from his experience on the ocean floor? What do you think is the cause of the differences he is feeling?

4. Why is Edward surprised to become fond of Lucy? Consider his experience with other dogs in your answer.

5. What are the differences between Edward’s thoughts at the beginning of the novel and his thoughts after he is taken in by Bill and the other unhoused people?

Paired Resource

“I Should Not Dare to Leave My Friend”

• This poem by Emily Dickinson explores friendship and grief.
• Shared themes include The Connection Between Love and Loss and Love as the Meaning of Life.
• What is the poet saying about friendship in her poem? Does Edward initially feel so deeply about anyone? When does this begin to change?

Chapters 16-22

Reading Check

1. Who does Bryce intend to give Edward to? 
2. What does Bryce’s sister name Edward?
3. Who finds Edward while he is in Memphis with Bryce?
4. Who cracks Edward’s head on the edge of a table in a restaurant?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Bryce and Sarah Ruth’s life like?

2. What reason might Bryce have for taking Edward to Memphis with him?

3. What does Edward mean when he thinks, “I have learned to love. And it’s a terrible thing”?

Paired Resource

How Grief Affects Your Brain

• This 3-minute video explores the impact of grief on the brain.
• Shared themes include The Connection Between Love and Loss and Love as the Meaning of Life. 
• What is the brain’s role in grief? Why does Edward experience grief? How does Edward exhibit signs of experiencing grief?

Chapters 23-27

Reading Check

1. Who intends to sell Edward for a profit?

2. What becomes Edward’s shelf-mate after the first doll is sold?

3. Who is Maggie’s mother?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Bryce agree to give Edward up? What might it reveal about Bryce’s connection to Edward?

2. How do the dolls behave toward Edward? In what way does Edward believe his experiences are superior to the dolls’?

3. What is the second shelf-mate’s advice to Edward as she leaves with her new owner? What factors may lend the doll credibility?

Recommended Next Reads 

Stuart Little by E.B. White

• This novel is about a mouse-like boy who is born into a family of humans and embarks on a journey to save a friend.
• Shared themes include The Connection Between Love and Loss and Having a Voice Through the Power of Story.
• Shared topics include the hero’s journey, anthropomorphism, and adventure.
• Stuart Little on SuperSummary

The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

• This novel is about a mischievous wooden puppet boy who embarks on a journey to rescue his father.
• Shared themes include Love as the Meaning of Life, The Connection Between Love and Loss, and Having a Voice Through the Power of Story.
• Shared topics include antiheroes, anthropomorphism, and adventure.
• The Adventures of Pinocchio on SuperSummary