Module 1: Picture Books - KNUFFLE BUNNY

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700

PLOT SUMMARY:

What could possible go wrong on a simple trip to the Laundromat with Daddy and a favorite stuffed animal? Young Trixie finds out in this adorable tale of a simple Laundromat trip gone wrong. Unbeknownst to Daddy, Trixie’s stuffed bunny is accidentally left behind. When poor Trixie tries desperately to explain this to her daddy, her still developing communication skills leave both her and her daddy more than a little frustrated. After a series of hilarious and frantic “aggles” and “flaggles” from Trixie, Daddy ends up having to carry his extremely distraught daughter back home. In the end, Trixie’s mommy saves the day and leads readers to an unforgettable reunion and momentous occasion for the whole family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Mo Willems is a master at creating books with lovable and memorable characters, and KNUFFLE BUNNY is no exception. Readers are immediately drawn to Trixie, and her spirited personality shines through on every page. From her wide-eyed amazement at the world around her on the trip to the Laundromat to her desperate attempt at going “boneless” in order to show her daddy how unhappy she is about losing her bunny, Trixie successfully commands the reader’s attention and evokes sympathy at her helpless situation. Adults will also find themselves sympathizing with Trixie’s clueless daddy, especially when he good-naturedly misinterprets Trixie’s complaints about her missing bunny as a statement about going home. Anyone who has ever dealt with an unhappy toddler will laugh out loud at the dazed expression on Daddy’s face by the time he and a very disgruntled Trixie get home. Willems’ amazing characters and the riveting depictions of them transform the simple plot of this story into an unforgettable reading experience.

The simple plot of this story will be easy for even the youngest readers to follow, and the hilarious illustrations play a major role in moving the plot along. The adventure begins simply enough as Trixie excitedly heads out on an errand to the Laundromat with her daddy. Although the bunny is not mentioned in the text until late in the story, the importance of Knuffle Bunny to Trixie can easily be seen from the beginning as she lovingly grasps the bunny throughout the walk to the Laundromat. Trixie has so much fun at the Laundromat that Knuffle Bunny is momentarily forgotten. As soon as Trixie realizes the bunny is missing, the comical exchanges between Trixie and Daddy begin. While Trixie’s daddy remains clueless about Knuffle Bunny’s situation, Trixie unwillingly heads home without her beloved stuffed animal. In the end, Trixie’s mommy realizes that Knuffle Bunny is missing, and the whole family heads back to the Laundromat to recover the missing bunny. The happy reunion is just what readers are waiting for, and Trixie surprises everyone by speaking her first words, “Knuffle Bunny!!!” Children will love hearing an adult read Trixie’s baby talk, and the combination of Trixie’s frustration and the hilarious illustrations are what make this simple story so appealing.

The story takes place in a typical city neighborhood, and many young readers will take comfort in familiar scenes such as the park, school, and the Laundromat. The setting is shown to the reader through black and white photographs.

Although the plot is simple, readers can detect the subtle message of the importance of growing up and learning new skills. Readers will cheer Trixie on as she tries to communicate with her daddy, and they surely will rejoice when she finally says her first words.

Mo Willems’ unique style of combining simple text and plot with lively illustrations and speech bubbles shines through in this story. Willems’ choice of black and white photographs of the city with colorful cartoon people placed in the scenes really draws the reader’s attention to the importance of the characters themselves. The focus on the characters and their facial expressions is crucial to enhancing the story from a simple plot to a lively story which readers can really sympathize with.

I would highly recommend this book as a staple to any school library or children’s collection. The funny characters and amazing illustrations make this a perfect read aloud book. Although the book is intended for young audiences, both children and adults will be able to appreciate the humor and endearing characters in this story. My two year old giggled with pleasure when I read this story to him, and that deserves a starred review in my opinion!

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY starred (August 16, 2004):
“Any child who has ever had a favorite toy will identify with the toddler star of this tale. The plot is simple: Trixie loses bunny, finds bunny and then exuberantly says her first words-"Knuffle Bunny!!!" The fun comes from the details." Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (October 1, 2004):
PreS-Gr 1-“The concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures. They, in turn, augment the story's emotional acuity...Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

A 2005 Caldecott Honor Book

CONNECTIONS:

*Other books about Knuffle Bunny:
Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423102991

*Activities:
Even the youngest students can participate in writing extension activities for this story. Students will love writing from Trixie’s point of view, giving voice to her frustrated attempts at communication.

This simple story plot lends itself well to young audiences predicting what will happen next. The fantastic illustrations give readers lots of clues, and children will delight in predicting the happy ending.

This book would also be an excellent choice for taking students on a “picture walk.” The illustrations are such a major part of the story that students will enjoy figuring out the story based on the illustrations alone.

*Websites:
http://mowillemsstuff.blogspot.com/
http://www.mowillems.com/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=950