Picture Book Review Genre 1 - Knuffle Bunny

1. Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle bunny: a cautionary tale. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786818709

2. Plot Summary
In this "cautionary tale," a toddler named Trixie goes on a trip to the laundromat with her father and her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny. Everything goes smoothly, and Trixie is pleased to help her father until...Trixie's beloved stuffed animal goes missing. She tries desperately to tell her father what has happened, but she can't get the message across. Not until they get back home does Trixie's mother realize that Trixie has returned without Knuffle Bunny. A frantic search of the laundromat ensues, and Knuffle Bunny is recovered to Trixie's delight. She even speaks her first words: Knuffle Bunny!

3. Analysis
In this very easy to read book, Willems does not waste time on mundane details. It is straight to the point, and the story is laid out with a few words on each page. Not to say it isn't well written; it is. The choice of words is deliberate and comical, from the name Knuffle Bunny to Trixie's baby talk (aggle flaggle klabble!) to the description of Trixie going "boneless." The illustrations are a perfect match for the story. Willems's colorful cartoon drawings imposed on top of sepia tone photos of Brooklyn create a work of art for parents and children alike to enjoy. I especially loved the faces of the people on the street on the trip back home when Trixie is making such a scene. Most parents have seen those looks before when their children have thrown tantrums in public. The relatable story of having a favorite item misplaced will resonate especially with young children, as will the difficulty Trixie has communicating her problem to her father.

4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Honor Book
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Award Winner
School Library Journal Starred Review - "A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text."
Booklist Starred Review - "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
*Author study on Mo Willems - Compare and contrast Willems's books and illustrations, especially Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity and the soon to be published Knuffle Bunny Free: an Unexpected Diversion.
*Springboard for writing - Older children can write their own "cautionary tale" about a favorite item of theirs or their little brother or sister.
*Art - Imitate Willems's style of putting cartoon drawings atop black and white or sepia toned photos - camera and computer required.