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      Developing understanding of 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' through rich discussion

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can discuss the main ideas of ‘The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane’.

      Key learning points

      1. 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' is an illustrated chapter book, with black and white pencil sketch vignettes.
      2. The protagonist is Edward, a china rabbit doll.
      3. In 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane', themes of love, compassion and loss are explored.

      Keywords

      • Illustrated chapter book - An illustrated chapter book is a longer fictional text with illustrations to support and develop understanding.

      • Vignette - Vignettes are small, focused illustrations that often capture a specific moment or scene within a narrative.

      • Theme - A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may find it challenging to remember the order of Edward's owners.

      You may want to note down the order of owners. This could be represented visually as a timeline within the classroom.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils must have read the text in advance of this lesson. You may want to check their understanding of the text through some retrieval and discussion tasks ahead of this lesson.

      Equipment

      You need a copy of the 2015 Walker Books edition of ‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’, written by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an illustrated chapter book?

      lots of texts with the same characters and settings
      a form of text combining words and images in comic style panels
      Correct answer: a longer, fictional text with illustrations to support understanding

      Q2.
      What is a suitable definition for the word 'fragile'?

      weighing a lot - difficult to lift or move
      Correct answer: easily broken, damaged, or destroyed
      uneven texture or surface

      Q3.
      Put the key parts of a story in the correct order.

      1 - opening
      2 - build-up
      3 - climax
      4 - resolution

      Q4.
      True or false? A main protagonist in a text always has to be liked by the reader.

      Correct Answer: False, false

      Q5.
      Which of the following examples show someone who is compassionate?

      Correct answer: Laura noticed her classmate struggling with homework and offered to help.
      Jack interrupted Andeep while he was speaking, without apology.
      Correct answer: Lucas comforted his friend who was upset about failing a test.
      Emily rolled her eyes and scoffed at her friend's idea.

      Q6.
      Which of the following examples show someone who is unfair?

      Jun congratulated his teammate on scoring the winning goal.
      Correct answer: The referee ignored obvious fouls committed by the opposing team.
      Correct answer: The boss gave promotions only to their friends, ignoring others' hard work.
      Emily admired Sofia's artwork and complimented its creativity.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:illustrated chapter book,a fictional text with illustrations to develop understanding

      a fictional text with illustrations to develop understanding

      Correct Answer:vignette,small illustrations that often capture a specific story moment

      small illustrations that often capture a specific story moment

      Correct Answer:theme,a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

      a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

      Q2.
      Who is the author of 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane'?

      Pellegrina Tulane
      Correct answer: Kate DiCamillo
      Bagram Ibatoulline

      Q3.
      True or false? After being buried beneath mounds of rubbish, Edward is found by Bull.

      Correct Answer: False, false

      Q4.
      Which street is Edward's first house on?

      Correct answer: Egypt Street
      Algeria Road
      Morocco Avenue

      Q5.
      What is Edward used for when he is made to stand in a field?

      a windmill
      Correct answer: a scarecrow
      a weather vane

      Q6.
      Put the following owners of Edward in chronological order.

      1 - Abilene Tulane
      2 - Nellie and Lawrence
      3 - Bull and Lucy
      4 - Bryce and Sarah Ruth
      5 - Lucius Clarke

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