GENRE 1-PICTURE BOOKS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2005. KNUFFLE BUNNY. Scranton, PA: Hyperion.
ISBN 978-0-7868-1870-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Trixie, who has not yet learned to speak, goes on an errand to the Laundromat with her father. Halfway home, she realizes that her stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, is missing. She tries to tell him that the bunny is missing but she still can’t speak. She throws a fit, alternating between limp doll and wailing baby until they reach their house. When Trixie’s mom opens the door, she immediately notices Knuffle Bunny’s absence and the family race back to the Laundromat together. When the father finally pulls Knuffle Bunny out of the washing machine, Trixie’s joy propels her to speak her first words: “Knuffle Bunny”!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This humorous tale is perfect for children of all ages. Mo Willem’s text is believable and authentic. He perfectly captures the way adults condescend to children when Trixie’s dad replies “That’s right, we’re going home” to her babble. Her father never stops to wonder if her babble is to actually get a point across. Even if a child can’t remember their first words, they will remember their most beloved stuffed animal and identify with Trixie’s love for Knuffle Bunny.

The fusion of art and text in this book represents the highest realm for which a picture book can reach; a place where the art and text come together to create a story more powerful than either of them are alone. The hand drawn characters imposed on sepia-toned photographs are visually interesting and reinforce the genuine authenticity of the story—after all; photographs are pictures of a real location. Trixie’s facial expressions and body language perfectly mirror any child’s progression into a pure meltdown and her father’s reaction is just as perfectly legitimate.

Don’t forget to share this book with older children who will also enjoy its theme.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate.”

5. CONNECTIONS
2004 The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Picture Book Winner
* A perfect book to share with preschool children and for read-alouds.
Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO. ISBN 1423102991