I'll start this review by saying I don't like Kate DiCamillo that much as an author. However, this is one of her best books in my opinion. I've found all her other books either over-hyped or too derivative. They are also overwhelmingly populated by white characters, and Edward Tulane is no exception.
I found Edward's story compelling as I was reading it (I finished the book in two sittings). The ending is rushed. The penultimate person Edward meets on his journey needed more page space which would have given the ending a better emotional impact.