Knuffle Bunny book review

Bibliography:

Willems, M. 2004. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. New York, NY: Hyperion Books For Children. ISBN 9781368009706

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Trixie “running an errand” with her dad. They pass through various areas in their neighborhood until reaching their destination: the Laundromat. After putting their clothes into their machine, Trixie and her dad set off back to their home. It wasn’t long before Trixie realized she did not have her beloved Knuffle Bunny, her stuffed animal toy. Since Trixie could not speak words yet, she yelled and screamed “AGGLE FLAGGLE KLABBLE!” to show her dad that something was wrong, but it was her mom who realized Knuffle Bunny was missing when they arrived home. The family then ran back to the Laundromat, and Trixie’s dad searched through the machine until finally, Knuffle Bunny was found!

Critical Analysis:

The illustrations by Mo Willems bring in cartoon-like figures with realistic scenery, using actual photos as the background illustrations. The colorful cartoon-like figures bring life to the dull black-and-white photos, which I believe make the book that much more engaging.

The illustrations as well make the book relatable to both adults and children. For example, when Trixie becomes “boneless”, the illustration makes it relatable to understand what that means by Trixie’s sluggish posture. Also, as Trixie is yelling and screaming on her back home you see the surrounding pedestrians starring at both Trixie and her father. Although I am not a mother, we all know how people like to stare or comment on a child throwing a tantrum, so these illustrations also make the book relatable to children (who get told “people are looking at you” as they are in the middle of their tantrum) and parents who have to try and calm their child as people watch.

Review Excerpt(s)

• 2005 Caldecott Honor book
• Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Willems renders the characters with Little Lulu–style pointed noses and their expressions are laugh-out-loud funny.”

Connections:

• This book can be used to show children how important it is to take care of their treasured items and for adults to remember to listen to their children--something may be happening that you are unaware of.
• Other books like Knuffle Bunny: Knuffle Bunny Too, Knuffle Bunny Free