Book Review: KNUFFLE BUNNY

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY. New York, NY: Scholastic Incorporated, 2005.

 ISBN 0-439-80249-0

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

An urban father and his very young toddler, Trixie, stroll through the neighborhood to the Laundromat, throw the laundry into the washer, and begin to stroll home. On the way home, Trixie throws a colossal tantrum, much to dad’s frustration. Upon arrival home, Trixie’s mom notices that Trixie is missing her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, after which the family hurries back to the laundry mat to find the beloved toy. With joy at the sight of the Knuffle Bunny, Trixie speaks her first words when she calls out the stuffed animal’s name with delight.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Anyone who has parented an infant who could not yet talk will relate to the humor, frustration, and credibility of Trixie and her father. Trixie’s behavior in the loss of her beloved Knuffle Bunny is consistent with a child of that age who is desperate to communicate but cannot articulate a problem. I found the universality of a child going “boneless” delightfully funny. KNUFFLE BUNNY reflects a simple story with a believable conflict and resolution. Though the story is entertaining, it is by no means really a cautionary tale to children. Rather, it seems that parents may be the real target audience. Quite possibly, the author is attempting to please both audiences at once.

This Caldecott Honor Book reflects a modern era of art as each page juxtaposes sepia photos of old city brownstones, schools, shops, parks, and Laundromats with an overlay of cartoon-like, simplistic, and colorful drawings of the characters. The contrast creates a fresh, modern look at an old familiar setting. Frankly, it is the illustrations, rather than the text, that carry the story. Trixie’s oversized eyes boldly express each emotion with precise clarity. The father’s exasperated expressions, as well as the onlookers’ disapproving glances, aptly express the reality of an exasperating situation, even in the simplicity of the art. Finally, the pictorial representations of the story’s resolution mirror any family’s joy in both finding a treasured object, and in hearing a child’s first words.

4.  AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal/Honor, 01/01/05

Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.), 01/01/05

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (2004): “Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (2004): “the concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Gather a collection of Mo Willems’ books, read them aloud the first time without showing the illustrations so that the students listen and imagine the characters and setting in their minds to develop referential representation; read them aloud a second time and show the photos

*Create a learning center including various Willems’ texts, audio books, and reflection activities

Other Mo Willems books:

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS.  ISBN 978-0786819881

THE PIGEON HAS FEELINGS, TOO!   ISBN 978-0786836505

MY FRIEND IS SAD.   ISBN 9781423102977

SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM?   ISBN 978-1423143437