Genre 1: Picture Book Illustrations

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078681870-0

Plot Summary

Mo Willem's picture book, Knuffle Bunny, is a story of a family of 3, really 4 if we add Knuffle Bunny. There is Mom, Dad, and Trixie. Trixie and her dad leave mom behind to go to the laundromat. They walk through the busy neighborhood and finally reach their destination. Once there, they place the laundry in the washer, even though everything isn't intended to be washed. It is only after Dad and Trixie leave that Trixie realizes that her beloved companion is missing. She tries to explain to Dad what has happened, but he ignores her until she becomes very dramatic in trying to explain the mysterious disappearance of her bunny. Amidst much misunderstanding, they reach home and before anyone can say anything, Mom sees that Trixie is not holding her bunny. They hurry back to the laundromat and after much "spinning" and looking, dad produces what Trixie had begun to miss within only a few minutes. It is then when Trixie's babble is finally recognized and a name is given to the lost family member: Knuffle Bunny. Even though mom is a flat character in the book, she plays an important role in the book and shows us that mom can always make things better!

Critical Analysis

Knuffle Bunny was a delightful story of the normal, sometimes chaotic occurrences we experience in our homes. What was supposed to be an uneventful trip to the laundromat by Dad and daughter, turned into a dramatic episode of a father not understanding his child. Because of this, the child acted out and didn't stop until she got what she wanted. How many times have we seen this type of scene in a grocery store alone? It reminds us of how very important it is for not only mothers, but fathers to listen to their children. Very often, children are trying to convey a message and it is necessary for parents to always listen.

The actual pictures in the book added even more "realness" to the message of the story. The pictures jumped out at the reader and allowed them to become deeply engrossed in the book. The story ended far too soon!

Review Excerpts

Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video

Caldecott Honor 2005

ALA Notable Book 2005

School Library Journal Book of the Year

Kirkus Reviews Editors Choice 2004

Starred Review in the Horn Book Guide: "The playful retro-style illustrations, in which cartoon characters are digitally incorporated into sepia-toned photos, complement the simple, satisfying story."

Starred Review in Publishers Weekly: "Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise."

Connections

*The book can be used as an example of the importance of parents listening to their children and how children should be patient when explaining a problem to their parents.

*Other books abou children and family:

Kagan, Richard. Real Life Heros: A Life Storybook for Children. ISBN 07890-2164-1

Feiffer, Jules. The Daddy Mountain. ISBN 0786809124

*Gather other books by Mo Willems:

I Love My New Toy. ISBN 1423109619

I Will Surprise My Friend. ISBN 1423109627